Health Trek Day 47

December 18th: My mother turns 89. Really makes you realize how time flies. I still remember my childhood so vividly and the woman that seemed like such a giant to me. But seeing her now gives me hope. Although her body is aging and she is getting frail, she still makes wine, knits and crochets, paints and is the Matriarch. I will be her age in 26 years, which is time to see my grandkids grow up and time to write a few books, time to cherish all the Blessings that have been bestowed upon me. So I pray I will have the time she has had and use it wisely. And that I have 25 or 30 more Christmases to enjoy and savor. Time to make more memories that maybe my children and grandchildren will pass on.
One important lesson I learned from my Mom is that Christmas is not about the money and presents, it is about family and making the day special for children. I learned from her that home made gifts were the ones to be cherished as they are made from the heart. I thank her for that now, even though sometimes when I was a child, I was not so grateful and used to envy the other kids that got the shiny new bikes when I got one that was secondhand and painted by night when I was asleep with my mother's artistic touch.
So even though we have had our differences, I see now the wonderful lessons that she was teaching by her example. I hope I can pass on the spirit of Christ to my progeny and they will never be blinded by the tinsel, but moved by the spirit of love and giving.
Rock On everyone!

Christmas Poem 2002

Christmas Memories
I remember strong arms holding me tight
as I placed the bright star and we sang Silent Night.
Later I helped my thrilled little brother
Then each sibling continued to help one another
Too soon we all had our own family
And helped our small children trim the Yule tree
I remember candy cane kisses stuck to my cheek
And smiling, as children tried so hard to peek
Shaking each package in hopes of a clue
Dreaming of treasures shiny and new
Children so innocent laughed with delight
As we turned on each bright Christmas light
Now Grandchildren assist in our Yuletide endeavor
Creating new memories that will last forever
I remember the gingerbread houses we built
The squeals of laughter when it started to tilt
Children amazed as we made a pink rose
The unfettered delight when they frosted my nose
I remember each moment and treasure them all
Each paper ornament, each trinket, each ball
Each Christmas Season builds on the other
Bonding each family, each sister and brother
Stopping the sameness of every day life
Lightening the load and reducing the strife
I take time to remember on each holiday
Why I continue day after day
In spite of the news that we see on the Telly
It all goes away when we see Santa's belly
Then I remember what we all can give
Peace and Love for our family- It's the reason we live.

Judy Patt Hall
Christmas 2002