Now, my mother in law is gone, a cousin who came every year is gone, and his 107 year old mother are gone.
A tradition ended? Yes.
A tradition begun? Maybe.
When old traditions end, I like to think new traditions begin. Everything eventually changes.
Sometime in November, B gave us a call. She wanted to come up here for Christmas - there was little reason for her to stay at home (she lives by herself). She promised to bring her signature dish that we all loved. And, she would even stay in a motel (her preference, as she enjoys her alone time).
Several days later, she called again. Could she also come for Christmas Eve?
So, we hosted both Christmas Eve and Christmas dinners, complete with the cousin's signature dish.
We shared a lot of memories, but memories are more than things that exist in our memories.
In a way, we live on in our works.
My spouse's 107 year old aunt (when she was younger) and the cousin who visited us were sisters. One thing they both did was beadwork. This is one example, one that I was given as a gift years ago.
It was an honor to display, on my tree, a needlework ornament made by a work friend who died from cancer 21 years ago. Every year I bring this out, and other ornaments she gave me (she loved to craft), and I remember her through my Christmas trees.
The days of 2019 are dwindling, and so are the days of our lives.
I don't know how many more holiday seasons my spouse's cousin will be with us. Or others I love.
I do know that we are gone, our works will remain.
Will your works be remembered? Will mine?
I never thought about that when I was young. But now, in my 60's, I think about it a lot.
Do you?
Your treasures are lovely. I have been busy putting away treasures from the last 50 years. I love each and every ornament, especially the ones that are handmade. I'll pass them on to my grandchildren and hope they bring back fond memories.
ReplyDeleteHave a Happy New Year.
Glad you had a nice holiday.
ReplyDeleteI hope my works are remembered- but, to be honest, that is less important than to continue to develop new things- and to make this world a better place each day. It's for my kids- and their kids.
ReplyDeleteI, too, have a number of crafts that were gifts to me from relatives that are no longer among us, including several quilts that my mother made. They are all priceless and whenever I bring one of them out, as I do around the holidays each year, I can strongly feel the presence of the maker. Those we love are never really gone from our lives as long as we remember.
ReplyDeleteI think about it a lot...its ok to start new traditions or do new things...and sometimes, its ok to let it go...I'll be 53 in March and I wonder, where has the time gone...just keeping it real. sigh.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice your spouse's cousin came to visit. That would be a nice, new tradition, and one where you don't have to travel for the holidays.
ReplyDelete