Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
Location: At home
Isn’t it grand the way Christmas lingers? Most of us keep our trees up at least until New Year’s Day; I know some folks who never take theirs down! The memories linger, too. As you tuck away your gifts in their new home, you think about the giver of the item. We remember the meals and the laughter shared. And, usually some family trauma intrudes even this holiday to remind us that relationships are hard to do well, consistently, and lovingly.
This week, those of us at Books & Such will each share a favorite Christmas memory either from this year or years past. For me, a standout memory from this year was that I didn’t decorate our tree. And that wasn’t because I didn’t want to. It’s because life interrupted my best laid plans. My husband was admitted into the hospital on Dec. 17 for symptoms of a potential heart attack. Sure enough, that’s what was occurring. Eventually the cardiologist had to do a procedure, but Loch is now home and well on the road to recovery.
But, because I had invited our children, grandchildren and spouses to our house for Christmas Day, I wasn’t sure how to pull off that event plus be with hubby in the hospital. So our daughter Robin brought her husband, two sons (ages 14 and 12), and one dog over to decorate our home. While Robin and I prepared supper, her husband and one son dressed up the tree. Their dog played with my dog and with grandson #2, who loves dogs and would rather roll around on the floor with them than put ornaments on a tree.
When I stepped into the living room to view the vision of loveliness, it was…imperfect in so many ways. The guys didn’t know what to do with my pearl garlands (“What the heck are these for?”), nor had lights and ornaments been hung on any low-lying branches. Guess the males figured, “Just put up enough ornaments to cover 2/3 of the tree. That ought to do it.”
But you know what? It was a vision of loveliness. Because they were expressing love to me. They were preparing the way for our Christmas celebration together. And they were giving me the best gift of all: a beautiful memory.
So sweet! And I’m glad your husband is OK!
What a sweet, wonderful memory, Janet. I’ll be sure to remember your husband in my prayers for a swift recovery and total healing!
So glad your husband is home and recovering. And I especially appreciated the story of your 2/3 tree – that’s what mine look like this year too. But I love them because my family did them for me!
Happy New Year to you and yours, Janet!
Praise be that your husband is recovering well. You and your family will remember this Christmas, for sure, because it came wrapped in L-O-V-E. Isn’t that the Christmas story, that Love came down to us?
Thanks for sharing this, Janet.
Thanks to each of you for the well-wishes for my husband, who is on the road to recovery. Our family’s Christmas was especially sweet-spirited this year. We’re very thankful for each other.
Amen re the love came to visit and stay. Glad your kids are close enough to pitch in like that. and yes, rolling around on the floor far supercedes decorating a tree. Perhaps they thought they were protecting the dogs from the tree, or some such. Will give chuckles in the years to come.
Rejoicing that Loc is on the mend.
hugs L
“Family trauma intrudes.” What a great reminder to us of why there’s a Christmas at all. We need a Savior. We need peace in the midst of drama. We need help to respond as we want to when life interrupts our plans or disrupts our expectations. So glad He held you (and still holds you) as you and Loch move forward.