When I was a little girl growing up living over the family restauraunt, I can remember my Grandfather - Paw Paw Barney inviting so many people to have Christmas dinner with us. At one point I can remember setting tables up for more than 40 people. It was our family and then all the single, widowed shrimpers and friends/customers of my Grandfathers. My Mom and Mi MI would start cooking as eary as 4 am, 2 sometimes 3 huge turkeys, oyster dressing, baked macaroni and cheese, rice and gravy, veggies and bread and desserts. My sister and I would play waitress and serve drinks. It was so much fun. I asked my Mom one time why Paw Paw invited so many people and she told me that it was Paw Paw's way of giving back. He didn't come from money, he had worked for it. Many of the men he invited to dinner were hard workers and were like him. The difference was he had his wife and family around and was able to work with them. He was still lucky and blessed and they weren't anymore so he didn't want them alone on Christmas if they didn't have to be. Thru the years that list dwindled for one reason or another. But it was something I never forgot growing up.
Always appreciate what you have. Always remember where you came from. And always respect where you end up.
I had cancer at 15. maybe that's why I looked at things more maturely. But after 27 years of remission I got a slap in the face. The cancer came back and came back with a bang, spreading quickly through out my body within 18 months. Just in time for Christmas. Over the past 18 years, since having my children I think I lost sight in what Christmas was. Honestly, Christmas became commercial. I am ashamed to admit it. Since having my children all I was worried about was making sure I had enough toys for them and as they got older making sure I had the toys they asked for. It didn't matter what it took to get it or how much I spent, Chistmas meant everyone getting what they asked for and being spoiled.
This Christmas is so different. I sat the kids down and expalined that there was no extra money for spoiling anyone since I was not working. Each said they understood and I really hope they do. They are all older now and I hope after seeing me go throough this a bit more mature. Of course they will get a little something from us, but I want them to see the true gift that we are receiving this year. The gift of me being here with them and able to enjoy them 100%. I want them to see how lucky we are to have this time together as a family. And to love one another. God gave me 3 beautiful gifts. Adele, Alexis and Joe Joe. God gave them ME. I hope they learn to:
Always appreciate what you have. Always remember where you came from. And always respect where you end up.
I will not be here forever so I hope they can see that Christmas is just one day of the year to share their blessings with their friends and family. Christmas is the day we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have 364 other days in the year to share, to love and to bring others into our world and teach them the lessons that out parents and grandparents have taught us aboout sharing blessings.......
What a wonderful and empowering post. I agree with you that the true spirit of Christmas should be shared by us every day of the year. May 2012 bring you renewed health and much time with your family.
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