The Fireplace When I was a child my mom and dad decided to convert our one car garage into a family room. The center piece of the room would be a large brick fireplace. My dad was friends with a local brick mason who did excellent work so the decision was made and the work began. The walls were clad with Cedar and once the carpet went down the room was complete. It was the coziest room you can imagine. My dad loved things like porches and fireplaces. I think in his mind things like that were synonymous with family, Although we lived a fairly modest life we did have central heat and air. I say that because in the dead of winter when it was time to get up for school our house was freezing cold. I would hear my dad calling out from the new family room saying Yall get up and come in here where its warm. I couldnt understand why we needed to wrap up in a blanket to go sit by a blazing fire when we had a perfectly good heater not to mention the fact that there was no fireplace in the bathroom where we would be taking a shower. Now that Im grown and have kids of my own it all makes perfect sense. He was simply creating an environment that was conducive to time with his children. He wasnt real good at showing his sensitive side to us so he compensated by doing other things to show us he loved us. The other day I walked over to the house to see my mom but she wasnt home. I walked around the house calling out to her but there was no answer. Although Linda, the kids and I live right next door I dont go over too often. You know the whole work and life thing that tends to get in the way of family and friends? Anyway I walked into the family room and as I approached the fireplace I smelled the familiar smell of burnt wood. I was immediately overwhelmed with memories and emotion. I know in reality that my mom or my daughter Ashlee had built a fire recently buy I felt the presence of my dad nonetheless. We lost dad a few years ago and although our relationship was riddled with work and butting heads I still miss him every day of my life. I wish he was here to celebrate Christmas with us now. Thank you Jesus for your gift of eternal life that guarantees me that one day I will see him again. Merry Christmas!
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 17:20:27 +0000
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