Even as a little girl, I never wanted to spend Xmas with out Mawmaw, Pawpaw and Aunt Ina. For I knew that it would never be the same. But years have passed now, Aunt Ina and Pawpaw are both gone now. And Mawmaw is very sick. The family gathering is in the past, everybody goes to another part of their family. A very close relative goes away for the Xmas holidays, wanting to have some "FUN". But this close relative never thinks, that maybe I would like to have some "FUN" too.

Mom puts out a few decorations, I make sure that Aunt Ina's Xmas boot is out some where in my bedroom. For the decorations are not complete with out Aunt Ina's Xmas boot. And it almost seems like Aunt Ina is with me once again. Dad and I go out and look at Xmas lights. And if it's not too cold we park and walk around.

So the one day that I enjoyed most, is now gone. Mom, Dad and I spend Xmas day alone. Nobody invites us out for the day. People will never know how very lucky they are when they can gather around and spend Xmas day together. I often hear people planning their holidays, and oh how I do envy them. I have to tell them, "you don't know how very lucky you are, to have a family to spend the holidays with.

So appreciate and value the precious time that you spend with loved ones and special friends at holiday time. And treasure every moment. And don't let them turn into, "Yesterdays Memories".

© Susan Milburn, September, 1996
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