Remembering

The passing days have flown by incredibly fast one ends up wanting to stop and take hold of time and freeze for a couple minutes. However, that isn’t reality. As I grow older, each day seems to slip between my fingers faster and faster. The past ends up reflecting in what you do. Some days it’s hard to push the painful memories that tend to recalled once in a while. Teaching swimming lessons have been a great amount of fun; however, it tends to remind me time to time of my sister. She was born early a number of years ago, and only made it four days.

Even though I didn’t get to actually see her in person, she still means a lot to me. If she had lived we probably would have been very close. I’ve been teaching a couple sets of lessons and lately it’s been hard not to be distracted watching the 7 year old young girls as they laugh and play. I end up dazing of wondering what Sarah would have been like. Would she be shy, or outgoing like me? What color of eyes would she have had? So many questions with no answers. Sometimes I end up wondering why she had to go? Being the only girl for so long, she meant a lot to me. Probably more then I showed. I regret not have shown my emotions but seven years ago I wasn’t exactly sure how. I miss her now and dearly wish I could be with her. One day I’ll get to see her again…

This Time of Year

The coldness of winter has arrived along with the first actual snow fall. The kids where excited to look out the window and watch as the large majestic flakes gracefully float towards the ground. It’s a feeling I will always cherish. Being able step back and watch the children’s faces light up. The first snow fall is always the most exhilarating. It permanently starts the beginning of winter to the town.

Everyone begins getting eager to start their Christmas shopping along with their decoration of each person’s household and business. Families start writing their Christmas letters telling relatives and friends what they accomplished, enjoyed and did in the past year. Carefully picked Christmas cards are selected and written and prepared to be sent.

It’s one of my favorite times of year! I love the atmosphere and sense you feel when the Christmas season hits people and towns. Everyone seems to be just a bit generous and sweet. The busyness at work is also an enjoyable aspect of the holidays.  Customers are trying to figure out what to get their loved ones and purchasing stockings for their pets, bring a sense of anticipation to the air.

As “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays” ring in the air, children are also enjoying this greatly anticipated part of year. Activities such as Christmas tree shopping, Christmas baking and shopping for their little friends and teachers is a treasure looked forward to all throughout the year.

Because of the size of our family we have all decided to draw names and play what is commonly called “Secret Santa.” We have been doing this effectively for the past few years. Each child/person draws a name. Once given the designed person, the picker continues to do different acts of kindness throughout the month till Christmas Eve where they names are revealed and gifts opened.

However, through all this rush, may we not forget the real reason for the season? What is it that we are actually celebrating? Let us not forget that Christmas is really just about remembering the Birth of Jesus. The deliverer of the world entered on that day so may we stop in our business and remember Him from time to time and what it was that he came here for. 

Rainy Days

                  Not only do rainy days bring little droplets of water, they also leave the air smelling fresh again. The sound of rain brings a sense of calmness to a restless heart. I find it remarkable how every drop almost descends at its own speed, landing in its own unique way. It’s one of those days where one feels like curling up in a chair with a good book with a cup of mint tea.
                   However, the drops of rain may also remind us of the tears we have shed. For those grieving over a dearly lost family member or friend it is a hard to not let your own rain drops fall. Today was a hard day for the members of our family. Our dearly treasured dog was put down today. It was her time to go to a place my sister calls “Doggy Heaven.” She lived a long time and blessed us in many ways. She will be dearly missed.
                Spirit was the finest family dog anyone could ever ask for. She was friendly and great with kids. She never jumped up on people and got along with smaller dogs. She was a golden lab and was best friends with my grandfather’s dark lab. Watching them run and play in the field was always and enjoyment for the family.
               Making family memories are always a charitable part of life. On days like these our family finds pleasure in sitting around the living room listening to an adventure on CD. Sipping tea of our choice and drawing is also included. On occasion a dessert may be added. The sky has now darkened and the air has turned chilling causing me to have to pause my writing for a twinkling and shut the agape window. Pulling on a sweater I recall the appointments I have the following day and must end.

Back To School For Another Year

                         The air still has the summer feel to it. Sunny days make getting back to school hard and distracting. The class room is stocked with freshly bought supplies, waiting to be used in assignments and projects.  The ground still is green but it’s starting to get a little muddy. The rain creates large puddles in drive ways and a mist in the air.

                               It’s the time of year that some people dread, while others look forward to. Some people like the schedule and routine of school. Having every moment of the day planned out. From getting up and prepping for school to doing chores and having dinner before bed. Other’s on the other hand, like the laid back days that summer brings. The easy carefree days when one didn’t have to worry about getting anywhere on time or getting up for the alarm. Therefore, dreading the days where this would soon all end.

                               However, even though there are many different opinions of this time of year, it does bring a sense of excitement in the air. People are hurrying to grab last minutes school supplies that they need in class the next week. For families whose children are in public school, it means saying goodbye to the dearly loved preschoolers and wondering where the precious years went. For those who homeschool, it means busy days of getting organized and back on routine.

                               Experiencing my last year of school, it reminds me that every moment is precious and charitable. The time slips out of one’s hand so quickly.  I hope to look back on those school years of one’s to remember and full of memories.  Family is so important and is often forgotten in this day of age. To me they mean a great deal in my life. Just being there for me to support the areas I need. 

                               This time of year also means baking more. There are numerous reasons for this. Some people bake just for the smell and fun of it. Others for friends and loved ones whom they wish to bless. While others it’s a necessity for lunches for smiling children and hungry workers. I recall baking with my sister a batch of cookies. Baking is always a place for children. They love the excitement and creativity involved. She tends to call herself the snitcher watcher. Having five brothers the girls tend to look out for one another.

                               She seats herself beside the bowl of cookie dough and watches for any sneaky hands that try to enter this sacred area. If such a desirable figure does she lets out an accusing screech saying “Snitcher, snitcher” quickly alerting the baker that there is an intruder in the midst. She’s a great help in the kitchen and loves helping with little things like measuring flour. Being able to sit down after the bright cozy kitchen has been tidied to cookies and milk is one memory I shall never forget.