Monday, December 31, 2012

Auld Lang Syne... Remember Me

With each tick of the clock, the New Year is rapidly approaching. The dawn of a New Year is on the horizon. 2012 is coming to an end, soon to be nothing more than a memory. Ahead of us is 2013, it is fresh, unfamiliar, raw and uncultivated. Soon we will make our introductions!

Within a few hours we will celebrate the passing of a year, and walk into the threshold of a new year. How will we enter? What from the previous years of our lives will we carry into 2013? Will we dress this infant year in the rags of the past, or do we have fresh attire to swaddle it in. Have we laid to rest our sorrows, and buried our disappointments in the sands of time in 2012? Are we hopeful or fearfully cynical of what lies ahead?

There is an old Scottish tune that is traditionally sung as we pass from one year into the next. The poetry of Auld Lang Syne calls us to remember our old past relationships...”for the sake of the old times”. Memories can be an enduring friend or a fiendish foe.

“Should Old Acquaintance be forgot,
and never thought upon;
The flames of Love extinguished,
and fully past and gone:
Is thy sweet Heart now grown so cold,
that loving Breast of thine;
That thou canst never once reflect
Auld lang syne.”


I  encourage you to lean into the new year with a fresh hope. In these last few moments, look back and remember your journey. Who did you encounter this past year, who was that unexpected person that crossed your path? A new friend? A new love? A new child born into the family? A new roommate? Or that certain person who gazed into your eyes for a brief moment, causing you to stop and ponder? Where did your daily steps take you ... Work? Home? To college? Did you travel? See a new country? Did you cross a new street? What detours were placed before you, preventing you from taking the same old beaten trail? What were the trials and tribulations that proved you were not a quitter? What conflict was resolved through your constant perseverance? What was your song of the year? A Requiem, a March, a Ballad, a Love Song... or possibly a Song of Deliverance?

2012 is a part of your history, what do you choose to remember? As the song sings of reflection, what will you hold dear and nurture at your breast? Or has your heart grown cold with remembering? Make a sweet melody and sing your songs, so you will remember again...Auld Lang Syne....for the sake of old times.

There was a celebration one evening, it was to mark an end of a time, an era... it was a gathering to cause remembrance. It was a time to Ring out the old, and Ring in the new! Out with the old covenant and in to a new, fresh, eternal covenant. These friends gathered together to share one last meal together. It was a celebration feast... All looked to the Host of the meal with
anticipation and expectation... One gentleman was so eager he laid his head on the chest of the Host, to enable him to capture every breath of truth that flowed from His heart. During this meal the Host talked to them using the meal before them to paint a memory. He took the bread and broke it and said, “Remember Me, for this is my body broken for you.” He took His wine and raised His cup and said, “Remember Me... for this is my blood poured out for you...And every time you eat and drink... Remember Me.”

Tonight as you raise your glass to the passing year... Remember. Re-collect your memories. Remember the promise... all things have become new, the old has passed away, the fresh and new has come! Remember every road you have traveled that pushed you to your limit, testing you, showing you what you were made of. Remember the days of health and rejoicing. Remember the goodness and the kindness of others, Remember the grace. Remember the mercy. Remember the flames of His fierce love, an and set your sights to the horizon of 2013....

From my family to yours....Happy New Year!

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Remembering... A Christmas Past

My granddaughter Kylee, Christmas 2009
There's something special about Christmas through the eyes of a child. A child's view is pristine, full of hope and innocence, it has not been convoluted with essence time.

One of my favorite Christmas childhood memories I included in my book,
What's Your Story?

"During the Christmas season one year, we were victims of an ice storm leaving us without electricity and heat for a couple of days. Through those dark cold nights, I had protection of my family and several layers of clothing to keep me warm. In my childlike innocence, there was something magical residing in the stillness of the wintry night. I would lie silently and watch the glow from the fireplace embers and the flickering candlelight as they cast delicate dancing shadows upon the walls and tiny iridescent sparkles on the vaulted ceiling above me. My mother and aunt learned to cook over the open hearth, which was rather comical, all the dishes had a smoked flavor. The days were brisk making our cheeks rosy as we played outdoors catching drops of melting icicles on our tongues. We even made snow ice cream!"

It is a funny thing about memories, their accuracy is blended with the actual and the remembered. Our memories are captured pictures of a segment of time in the past. When we look back, we see the through lenses of the person we are now... life through binoculars.

Remembering is looking back, magnifying the passage of time, and pulling the memory into the present. A recollection... to collect again. I re-collected the images; I remember the above story from my perspective in the here and now. Much has changed since then, life and time have undoubtedly glossed my view.

None-the-less, I enjoy this memory from where I sit today... it is a jewel found within my treasury of memories. I encourage you to look into your memory box and collect a few treasured Christmas stories from the past.



Thursday, December 13, 2012

'Twas the Night before Christmas... a child is born

Soon my doctor arrived; he was calm, cheery and relaxed. He was older gentleman; he had been delivering babies for many years. I will be forever thankful, for my dear sweet country doctor. He invited my children in, had the staff bring in extra chairs. He made them feel comfortable and explained what was happening all through birthing process.

The nurse on staff was still rather miffed, but busied herself preparing the room for delivery. At my side was my husband, my children sat at my feet, Christopher ten, Erica eight and Daphne five they had front row seats. As the time came to push, I glanced quickly down at them. Anxious, yet excited curiosity was etched upon their faces.

Natalie, our Christmas child arrived with only a few intense pushes, crying softly, caroling her song of Christmas. The comment I heard muttered under Christopher’s breath.... “I would have totally been fine without seeing that.” Oh my, my poor little guy. I however, have never regretted that my children were with me on that night.

My nurse transformed, was caught up in the moment, quickly wrapped her and handed her to me. Then she gathered my children so they could see their baby sister. Immediately, the love was spread, each had to look, give a kiss and a gentle touch. As my kids climbed in bed surrounding me, Ray had his turn to behold his lovely baby girl. Talk about a family Christmas moment... One I will forever remember, a treasured memory held dear.

Since, Natalie's birth in 1992, my Christmas' have been merry and bright, a season to look forward too. As with all my children, her birth forever changed my life.

‘Twas the night before Christmas...

With my baby nestled at my breast,
I looked at her intently, quiet peace, serene rest.

Her eyes - how they twinkled! Glistening stars met mine,
Sweet heavenly innocence, oh- how they did shine.

Her blankets encircled her head like a wreath.
She captured my heart, it was beyond belief!

Such a gentle round face, and little- bitty toes,
Delicate designed tiny fingers, and a cute buttoned nose.

She was chubby and plump, my tiny Christmas elf,
And I smiled when I saw her, in spite of myself.

Soon, her doctor arrived, she is healthy and strong
“Yay, let’s be up! Be gone- for here we don’t belong!”

Released, fed, swaddled up tight, no time for delay
Homeward bound 'bout midnight, it was now....
Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

'Twas the Night before Christmas.... the saga continues

‘Twas the night before Christmas...



Out to the van my reluctant crew – flew
My two girls, my boy and my husband, too!

Into my seat, I ungracefully climbed
I took a deep breath and then I reclined.
 
 
 
As I leaned back my head, once more I turned ‘round
Three kids, one bag, and Dad, we were hospital bound.

The kids were sitting silently, snuggled in the back
With a quick sigh, a slight calm, I tried to relax.

The drive was long, jerky -irritatingly bumpy
This caused me to tense, and become rather grumpy.

The tires discovered every pothole, along our not-so- merry way
My breathing more rapid, I silently began to pray.

“Get me there! Get me there, get me there soon!”
I looked out the window and stared at the moon.

With a dip, a turn, a “y” veer from the street
I closed my eyes to focus, pressed hard down my feet.

Into the parking lot we entered, Oh phew- the final stop
We arrived, thank goodness, for I was ‘bout ready to pop.

Met at the door, by a very curious hospital staff
The scene stole my attention, I stifled a laugh.

‘Twas the night before Christmas...
when thro’ the maternity ward,
My family and I arrived, no longer were they bored.

Concern, worry, “what to do?” showed on every face,
Pregnant women we can handle, but children- this is not
the place!

We did put the hospital staff in an unprecedented dilemma. They looked at us almost stunned... deer in the headlight! Perplexed! We explained that there was no other place for our children to go, it was Christmas Eve, you know! For a moment I thought they might actually turn us away. (I wonder what went through Mary's mind, when she was told that there was "no room" for them?) Hesitantly, they put me in a birthing room, I began to settle in, breathing, breathing more (he-he-he- hoo, he-he- he-hoo), the transition stage of labor was coming to an end.

To be continued...


Saturday, December 8, 2012

'Twas the Night before Christmas... continued

As the hours of the day passed by, so did the contractions, getting stronger, longer in duration and coming more often. This in itself was contrary to the birth of the previous three.

I had never experience the signs of early labor before. My other children came into the world quite differently. In a nutshell, my water would break, contractions would soon follow, trip to the hospital, breathing, transition, pushing and baby! I am very blessed that all of my babies were born naturally, quickly and with ease.

This labor was noticeably different. I continued to clean and prepare for tomorrow’s celebration. Our annual Christmas gathering would be at my house, so I was gearing up to be the”Hostess with the Mostess”! Also, I believe I was being prompted by the process of maternal nesting. Mothers-to-be kind of go crazy during the nesting stage ... everything must be cleaned and in order! We clean, organize, fold and move things around and often repeat the process over and over. After a bit of this insane, but very necessary process, my son, who is my oldest began to get a clue. Christopher asked me, “Mom, when is Dad expected home?” My reply was “I don’t know, as soon as he is done shopping, I guess?” I don’t think he liked my answer. He responded with, “don’t you think you should call him?” I don’t think my 10 year old son, was ready to be “the man of the house” when it came to birthing his baby sister. I caught him intently watching me as I would stop what I was doing, place my hand on my abdomen and breathe deeply, and then return to my previous activity.

So, alas I took his advice and called my husband. Since, this process of delivery was clearly going to be different; he did not get overly excited, nor sense any urgency. In other words, he did not rush! It was only after my second call that he knew he needed to kick it in gear, and get himself home.

My plans for my friend to watch my kids, while I was at the hospital, were obviously not happening.... it was Christmas Eve! Who has there baby on Christmas Eve? Me! So what to do? No choice, my three children would be going to the hospital with us.

‘Twas the night before Christmas....
when all thro' the house,
Everyone was stirring, but no sign of my spouse.

The birthing bag ready, placed by the door with care,
In hopes that dear old Dad, soon would be there.

The children were anxious, no time to be fed,
Lord only knows what images danc’d in their head!

When inside my womb there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet, oh- the pressure on my bladder!

Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But my minivan -finally my husband was here!

With no time to dawdle, we were lively and quick
Off to the hospital lickety-split!

More rapid than eagles our kids they came
We hurried, and shouted, and called them by name

Now Christopher, Now Erica, Now Daphne, Come on!
It’s time to get going; it’s time to be gone!

To be continued...


Friday, December 7, 2012

'Twas the Night before Christmas...


\
 
 
‘Twas the night   before Christmas...
ok, maybe I should back up a little.


 
 

 
 
‘Twas the day before Christmas,
the dawning morning of the anticipated Eve.
The most celebrated time of the year, I believe.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.
The halls were all decked, red and green everywhere.
However, scurrying and hurrying were hovering in the air.

With the sun shining bright,
the kids were now waking.
Turning on the TV,
starting the day off right,
Ok, Alright! No lies, no faking!
More than likely a fight was soon to be breaking.
"Give me the remote!", "Mom, who ate all the cereal?"
Oh yes, what a glorious delight!

Dodging this blight,
my husband took flight.
With one more gift to shop for
he was up and out the door.
His destination - the Mall
the hustle and bustle - people galore
A last minute shopping free-for-all!

I too, was up and rustling about,
being my usual busy bee.
Yet, sensing something different
stirring within me.
While doing my chores,
I felt a slight twinge.
Vacuuming, dusting, mopping the floors
I tried so hard not to cringe,
I knew in that instant
what was happening, you see.

'Twas the day before Christmas
the day we had been waiting for.
My children count would change
from three to soon four....

From the very beginning, I knew I was bearing a Christmas child. When the doctor predicted December 9th as my due date, I boldly proclaimed, “Don’t go anywhere Christmas!“ Having a Christmas child changed my whole perspective of Christmas.

Prior to her birth, I had become a rather good imitation of Scrooge, “bah-humbug!” Oh, I was not stingy or uncaring, the season was diluted, it had simply lost its pleasure and appeal. I grudgingly went through the motions, trying to make the best of it. The pressure of shopping (I hate shopping), was overwhelming. Loo
king for that perfect gift that sums up how much you care, (is that possible?), or worse, attempting to top the present from the previous year. Year after year, my husband and I would celebrate our anniversary, December 19th, with dinner and shopping at Toys R Us into the wee hours of the morning. (Thank goodness for holiday hours) Have you ever tried shopping in a dress and heels, looking for the perfect baby doll? Then the topper of the season, attending all the holiday parties and seasonal affairs, donned with a smile and holiday cheer!


 I have always believed the “Jesus is the Reason for the Season”, that truth had began to fade against the canvas of the world's seasonal image. All the glitz, bling, and hoop-lah had diminished the essence of Christmas for me. With the birth of Natalie, my Christmas’ have been drastically and delightfully changed. I truly believe God gave me my Christmas child to change me.
 

   To be continued...