Some reflections on this day....
Shopping in crowded grocery store
John and I braved this yesterday afternoon. We were just past the produce, heading for the bulk section, “conferring who gets what” when the young family with four little children pulled up next to us, and the father yelled, “WYATT.” We both jumped and turned to see who was so upset with us. What we saw was a 4-year-old boy jumping higher and harder than we. As the father instructed, “Watch where you are going!”
By then, both parents were staring at us, wondering why we had entered their private moment of instruction. “That’s our last name,” I explained as I looked over my shoulder maneuvering past the aisle cleanup ahead.
One lady was shopping for black cherry Jello. She was riding on her own, private, motorized chair, pushing a grocery cart beside her. Whatever aisle she was shopping was almost completely blocked. People were parking their carts at the end of the aisle, saying “excuse me,” and grabbing their item from the shelves around her. The blocker decided to help me look for lemon Jello for making Thelma Cameron’s cranberry relish. I think I convinced her that the picture of cherries on the box of cherry-flavored gelatin looked really dark to me.
Child/children to help make the cranberry relish
We used to have one child turn the handle on Mother’s grinder. However, whoever volunteers for this labor of love is eager to get back to their book or movie or music so we now feed everything through the Kitchen Aid grinder. I don’t think I even have the hand grinder anymore. This year’s relish will be made with orange Jello.
Two more days
Day after tomorrow, we are allowed to listen to Christmas music. We can sing along at the top of our lungs or even make up our own tunes. Memaw can search for where she stored those tapes of silly songs and spiritual music. And we can try, once again, to sing some of them in a round. BEGIN… “Little toy train; little toy track…” JUMP IN… “Little toy trains; little toy track…” NEXT… “Little toy trains; little Santa’s Sack…” Already, we are holding our sides with laughter.
Oh, yes…the meal
The table is heaping with bounty. Patty now provides the homemade jelly. At last, we will all come to the table. The person to Papa John’s right tells what they are most thankful for at this moment. After everyone has shared, he gives thanks to the Provider of Life.
It is a time to GIVE THANKS for food, family, and friends, and probably shed a tear or two for joyous and painful memories, realizing the year 2008 is nearing its end. We pray for our country and the year ahead.
Teach God's commandments to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Deuteronomy 11:19, New International Version
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1 comment:
Well, T-Day came and too quickly passed by. While it lasted, we gathered eleven strong around the table for traditions of nation, family, and thanks-givings.
There was more than enough food - some of it from market and much from Patty's kitchen and garden. There was plenty of laughter - five cousin-granddaughters with art and games and exploration of the yard in mind, Cunning adults weaving mystery and shopping trips with just hanging out and being entertaining. There was an abundance of love - sharing stories and experiences and plans and hopes. Yet there was a touch still of anticipation - for come Christmas season, Eli will bring his Mom and Dad here, the same crew that so filled our house yesterday and today with joy and song and silliness will return, and we will become fourteen strong in the strength of holiday sharing and caring. NOTHING is better than the whole family being together - every kid, every grandkid all at once.
I just can't wait!!
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