Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Remembering at Christmas


”Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.” -- Laura Ingalls Wilder

Do you remember a special Christmas? A time that comes back bringing with it a certain joy, a warm embrace, a taste of nostalgia?

I don't really remember this Christmas. My mother was in a TB hospital in Indiana and I was living with my Grandparents and my aunt and uncle (who were teens) in Tennessee. My Aunt Linda would dress me up or stage photos to send to my mother (who is in the photo to my right.) She tried to keep my mother informed of my progress. When my mother got this photo, she cried. It makes me cry for her to see it now.

Now my Aunt Linda has her own daughter (and grandchildren.) Her daughter, Annette, became my friend and even was my matron of honor in my wedding. And she is now battling brain cancer.

I am nostalgic and remembering both good times and not-so-good times in Christmases past. It brings a smile, a familiar sweetness and yes, also a tear at times.

What Christmas stands out to you this Christmas from your childhood?