I attended a delightful pre-celebratory holiday gathering with family this past week. As always, I had a wonderful time sharing stories, engaging in meaningful conversations, and partaking of delicious, home-cooked meals surrounded by love and laughter. It was a quintessential Dickensian holiday scene set to modern times; a festive gathering filled with the sights, sounds and warmth of the season.
It was also a time for contemplating the future. For as we get older, long life and good health becomes less of a passing wish for the new year, and more of a planned destination to reach while on a road fraught with uncertainty. When preparing for such a journey, it’s the memories from our past that give comfort. They provide a foundation to help us stand resolute in the light of each new day. They contain the imprints of love, hope, faith, and companionship that give courage its strength, and bring peace to a disquieted heart.
So on the eve of this Christmas holiday, I wanted to share a few occurrences I’ve observed over the years while in the company of family and friends. Each of these events – some that passed as swiftly and imperceptibly as a summer’s breeze – imprinted on me as wonderful, inspirational memories that no doubt will warm my heart for years to come.
Catching the sight of two people who still exchange loving glances after 56 years of marriage as they pass one another on the way to the breakfast table.
Watching the face of a loved one glow with delight as they regale a small crowd with the exploits of long ago.
Placing a blanket over a loved one who has fallen asleep on the couch, exhausted from the pleasures of cooking a wonderful dinner while coping with the silent assault from an unrelenting illness.
The sight of your spouse’s favorite book sitting by the bed, dog-eared and festooned with all manner of colorful Post-It bookmarks.
A touch of a hand on a shoulder that brings a simple smile to life as memories overtake an ongoing conversation.
Hearing the sounds of unrestrained laughter drifting in from an adjoining room as family members recount a particularly comical exploit from the day’s outing.
Catching a glimpse of a loved one deep in thought as they reflect on something, only to have them turn and give you the most amazing smile when they catch your gaze.
Festive holiday cards strewn throughout the house in purposeful delight, sitting beside family pictures or next to the mementos of past achievements or trinkets from faraway adventures.
Now, I have no doubt that you have quite a few imprinted memories of your own. The small gift I shared is a simple reminder that, during this season of hope and peace, you’ll be sure to stay focused and capture those moments of joy that surround you as you celebrate this holiday with your family. You may rest assured that these new imprints will become indelible memories for you to cherish and pass on in the years to come; treasured symbols of the love you’ve been blessed to receive.
The happiest of holidays to all!
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