Tuesday, December 23, 2014

SOME CHRISTMAS PAST THOUGHTS....AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I was sitting here this afternoon with everything I needed to do all done and a little time on my hands, so I decided to look back through my blog and see where I was and what was happening over the last few years at this time.  Oh my goodness!  How things and times change don't they?  It was just Christmas before last that I spent this day (the day before Christmas Eve) with my sweet mom getting her all ready for what was to be her last Christmas, though none of us knew that of course at the time. I remember (and cringe at it now) that I was so frustrated on the day as she was soo insistent that she do things that she was no longer able to do on her own, which required me then of course to do for her.  I was behind on my own pile of chores and responsibilities, (though I don't think she ever knew it as I was careful to keep it to myself), and I was resentful and somewhat grumpy on the whole thing. Everything she did took such effort and time. And yet, looking back why I ever thought there was anything more important I honestly can't be sure.  Somehow over the last few weeks I had gotten her ALL organized...ALL her gifts to people bought and wrapped.. ALL her cards in the mail, (AFTER I had written her Christmas letter and printed it off for her of course), helped her find the addresses for all her old friends and family members and then addressed them for her, she then wanted to just sit and have a cup of tea with me, and dwell for a bit on the fact that it was ALL done and  yet another year was about to come to a close.  It seemed futile to point out to her that while SHE was done and ready, I was FAR from it.  I made us some tea and we sat down on my couch in front of our tree and sipped it slowly.  I remember like it was yesterday her hand, (that was wrinkled with age and soo very thin) as she patted mine and said, "It's a good feeling isn't it Deb?  Thank you for helping me." The smile she gave me washed all my resentment away, and I felt a surge of love for her hard to describe. Of course it goes without saying now how I would LOVE to repeat that day and that time with her, this time realizing that NOTHING else was really soo important.  I don't remember a single gift I gave or received that year.  I don't remember if I had everything done on time or not, though I sure remember the resentful, frustrated way I felt.  This year I am all ready and organized LONG before I needed to be, and yet I would change it all in a heartbeat to have another year to sit on the couch sipping tea with her.  How is it that I continue to forget just what is important and what is not?  I do try to keep things in perspective, and celebrate and embrace those moments we are given with our loved ones.  But I DO need to do a better job.  I am looking forward to these next couple of days where we will gather with my children and grandchildren and celebrate the birth of our Savior and Lord.  I want to take this time to wish all of you, my wonderful blogging friends, a very Merry Christmas!  May we all remember what's important in this world, and what just isn't, and KNOW the joy that comes from knowing Him.  Blessings to you all!  Debbie

MADE THESE QUICK LITTLE TREATS FOR THE GRANDKIDS TOMORROW...PRETTY EASY!

SAM CAN HARDLY TAKE THE ANTICIPATION, LOL.  WISH I WAS GOING TO SEE THEM OPEN HIS PRESENTS!




8 comments:

  1. Debbie
    You were wonderful with your Mother! And now you have wonderful memories to dwell on now.
    Your feelings were very natural...
    I believe you were both a blessing to one another!
    Have a wonderful Christmas this year with your loved ones-Kimberly

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  2. Sweet post, a struggle we've all been guilty of many a time I imagine. I have been so knee deep in my Dad's care the past 3 1/2 years and am so thankful that he is doing so, so well and has not required near so much of my time the past few months. It's been a nice reprieve. Enjoy these days of Christmas with your family!

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  3. You are so honest and transparent with your readers. I know that this post will help someone. It has helped me. (Course this is one reason why I don't spend a lot of time looking back.) Next year, I'm going to be just like you...ready for anything in advance! Merry Christmas!

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  4. Such a poignant post and a needed reminder to focus on the important things. I know that you made your mother's last Christmas a happy one...you were the one who carried out her plans and fulfilled her wishes and I am sure that she knew and appreciated it.
    Merry Christmas to all of you!

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  5. Yes...always focus on what's important. Good remind for all of us. I love that picture of the little guys under the tree. Oh, how very sweet. I hope you and your family, far and near, have a wonderful Christmas.
    Blessings and Love~

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  6. I love the way you signed off on this post, Deb. Hope you and your family have a very blessed Christmas!

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  7. From my heart and home to yours Debbie, I'm sending Christmas blessings to you and yours. I must admit your post got me teared up-you made me remember my sister and her last Christmas. Sending you love and hugs today.
    Noreen

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  8. Life is full of time where we can wish we knew then what we know now ... how differently we would do things. I know that you were a sweet blessing to your mom.

    Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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I am so glad that you would take the time to comment on my thoughts and feelings, it is such a blessing to me!