Memories

The holidays always leave me feeling a little sad. I find myself reflecting on all that I’ve accomplished,or not, over the last year (heck, over my lifetime) and missing people from my past.


I miss the giddy anticipation of laying in bed just long enough on Christmas morning that mom and dad would agree to get up. I miss the way my Grandma B would exclaim in joy over every single gift given to her and hug each one to her chest as though it was her most prized possession. It seemed silly sometimes, but the older me gets it now.


I miss gathering at Grandma and Grandpa Latta’s on Christmas Eve to spoil myself on homemade candies before we all crammed into her tiny living room to sing Christmas carols. She loved that so much. I suppose looking back, it wasn’t the songs she loved quite so much as looking around the room at her beautiful creation. A family, pausing from the chaos of life to gather and be grateful for the blessings we so often overlook. I know this now because it’s the same way I feel. Every Christmas Eve I sit in that very same living room bestowing the miracles I created and I am filled with gratitude beyond words.


Today, I get a bit of that childhood giddiness as I prepare for our next Christmas Eve where we will snack too much & laugh just enough. My kiddos are all staying over and on Christmas morning I will survey the room as they celebrate this gift of life and each other. And I’ll channel a little bit of my over the top Grandma B as I give thanks for this wonderful gift.


Wishing you all joy and love this holiday season and in all the days to come.


❤️🙏🏻