The Christmas Blessing In the year 1991, I was blessed on the Ides of March with my beautiful daughter, Madeline Lenore. She was the delight of my life, I was still in awe that my body had bourn such a miraculous creation! She was the first all around, first grandchild, great-grandchild, niece, great-niece, and so beautiful and smart and good it seemed like she was meant for that special position. That first Christmas was a bit rough for us as a young couple. Her father had been forced out of the family business by his greedy half-brother, and we were making do on what I made teaching dance at my business and his unemployment. But we didnt need much, and Madeline had presents coming from every direction. What I wanted most, though, was to have all the family over to our apartment to see my girl on her first Christmas morning. I set my alarm for 4:30am, but I didnt need it. I dont think I slept a wink. My husband lay there snoring, and I went over all my preparations time and again until that buzzer told me I was allowed to rise. I made the first pot of coffee strong, I knew Id need it. I began frying country ham and bacon, draining off and saving that grease as Id been taught by the cooks in the family. Sausage and sweet ham were next, and they slid onto their platter to be covered with foil to stay nice and hot. I mixed up a nice big batch of biscuits from scratch, knowing by look and feel how much of everything to use because of endless lessons from my Mothers mother, my Dee Dee. As those biscuits rose and browned I made another pot of coffee and got the gravy going. Some may argue, but I believe the best flavored gravy is from country ham and bacon grease. Heat it up, stir in your flour liberally and add whole milk. Salt and pepper to taste and its so good itll make your tongue slap your forehead! If you make it early, just keep it on low heat and add milk to keep it nice and smooth! Everyone was coming at 7, so I woke up my husband and told him to get dressed, and I hopped in the shower and got myself together in a rush! I was hearing knocks at the door as I was pulling my clothes on! Everyone got coffee or juice as I went to get my sweet girl out of bed. She had on a plaid nightgown and as I carried her into the den, she saw everyone she loved there and squeeled with delight. My Mother, The Nana almost had to be forced to let her loose! My mother was really over the moon about her first grand baby! My brother and father took turns holding her and taking pictures, and I did my fair share as well. As soon as gifts were opened, I started frying eggs and everyone grabbed a plate. That was a beautiful Christmas. Granted, I divorced that husband many years ago and am truly happy with a husband that I love and respect. But my daughter is married, doesnt care much for me any longer and is making her life with her husband. She is all grown up and doesnt need my advise or input. I miss her. My brother, the warm, funny, annoying, bug-squishing brother I loved all my life now is a very important person and has no interest in visiting his sister on the mountain, or bringing his beautiful daughters here to be little wildwood flowers. I miss them all. My Granny turned 94 this year, and Ive never missed seeing her at Christmas. Ill see her tonight at my parents home. I wish we would all be together, all laugh and open presents and fight over deviled eggs and tease one another. Id love to play Trivial Pursuit at the dining room table, surrounded by the family silver and crystal and dispute the science questions. I miss that. I miss the family that has gone away, either by choice or circumstance. I still love them all. Maybe one year, well all be together in one house, waking up together to the smell of fresh coffee, watching my grandchild clap her hands at everyone smiling and laughing together. That would be a true Christmas Blessing. To everyone who cant be with their family today, Merry Christmas! Sending extra love and joy your way, because that is what Christmas is about, love. 🌲⛄️🎅
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 13:10:57 +0000
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