Dad loved music, and mom loved baking! Those are the memories I hold onto this Christmas.
Early in my childhood there was love in our household. There was laughter and sharing. There was music and Christmas movies. The excitement of presents under the tree and waking to smells of a turkey roasting in the oven.
It didn't last long. My parents did the best they could. They were two individuals from two very different backgrounds. They had very different dreams and ideas of what they wanted from life. Somewhere along the way it stopped being about family and became a struggle for their individual desires.
One thing my parents did have in common was a love for God. This video is in memory of my dad who loved instrumentals, and for my mom who I've shared many tears and smiles over the years while listening to this song.
Merry Christmas to those who struggle to find the joy of the season. To those who's memories have faded because of bitterness and anger. He is great and He sent His son for you! May you find the joy in Him.
God Bless You this Christmas season. I often think, while I am blogging the happy *little* moments of advent, they seem trivial compared to the pain and suffering that many are going through. I still think there is value in the things that I blog about, but loss is felt particularly keenly at this time of year and I don't want to dismiss that.
ReplyDeleteI have similar memories to yours growing up- my mom loved Christmas and all of its trappings. She also was an amazing baker- the house always smelled heavenly leading up to Christmas.
I know it is a struggle, but I am always encouraged by your attitude when I read you blog!
Praying that you and your son find joy this Christmas!
HI Lynda, I am so behind reading your post,sorry the rush of the holidays is getting the better of me this year
ReplyDeleteThis will be the first year without your Mom in your home and I know that will be very hard for you this year. I hope you and your son can find your own traditions and memories to make the season special for the two of you:) I continue to have you in my prayer daily.
Thank you Laurie and Anna-Marie! Although my mom is not in my home, we are blessed to have her close enough to visit.
ReplyDeleteChristmas is such a special time of year. I'm always torn with the enjoyment and traditions of the season, but still looking to make a difference in the life of someone who is hurting.
My son and I are so blessed, and I'm thankful for that. But there are a lot of homeless, hurting families this year. It makes me wish to do more for them. I pray these memories do not create bitterness for them, and they will see how great our God is.
This was a lovely post. Christmasn time does bring back sweet memories; with a little sadness combined. Memories van also bring comfort.
ReplyDeleteJust grab hold of all of the precious moments of this Christmas Seaon.
Merry Christmas Lynda!
Just dropping by to say that you have been on my mind. I will continue to keep you in my prayers- it is easy to remember you every time I look at my blogs! btw- I still get lots of compliments on how they look.
ReplyDeleteHi Lynda,
ReplyDeleteThis was a beautiful post remembering your parents during the Christmas season. I pray this year will be filled with joy for you and your son when you visit your mom and celebrate Christmas in a different, but still meaningful and lovely ways! God bless you and have a blessed Christmas!
How beautiful Lynda! It's good to remember the special memories of our parents during Christmas time to keep them close. My mom has been gone for almost 20 years and I still think of her and remember our Christmas celebrations of long ago! My dad is still with us and we continue to celebrate with him but it's different than my childhood memories. Joyful in a different way!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Lynda,
ReplyDeleteHow touching! I also think of our parents at the holidays. For me Thanksgiving is when I think of Mom and Christmas Dad.
I remember Mom LOVED egg nog and baking and I can't remember a turkey that was cut up without a few choice words because Mom's fingers got a little too warm. I remember the huge pot of stuffing she had to make so that we could eat half of it before the bird was even in the oven. I still make mom's stuffing exactly as she did.
For Dad it is all about the decorations and the songs. As I drive the streets I remember how he loved the creativity of christmas lighting and went out of his way to find the biggest display on our way home from an event. Dad sang Christmas carols from November to January and I think of his deep bass voice every time I hear a song. I cry every time I hear Bing Crosby sing almost anything but especially White Christmas.
Something that all our sister's may want to know. The year before our dad passed away he was in the Rochester newspaper. He was a city bus driver and had decorated his entire bus for the Christmas season and had Christmas Carols playing the entire season.
The holidays are so special even though they are melancholly times as well!
What great memories of your parents, and how sweet that you look for the good. I loved the story of your dad driving the bus, and how he spread holiday cheer via his decorations and music!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and peace to you.