Twelve years ago on Christmas, my mom forgot to turn the oven on to cook the turkey. We went out and when we arrived home, expecting that amazing smell when you open the door, we were met with nothing. Except tears from my mom. She couldn’t believe it. We all teased her about her ongoing partial memory loss. Three months later they would find a tumour in her brain. That was the last turkey that she cooked.
Had I known this, would have I done anything differently? Yup. I probably would have paid more attention to the conversations at dinner. I would have savoured every bite of my mom’s stuffing…every drip of gravy. Instead of teasing her, I would have hugged her tighter. Instead of counting the minutes down before I could escape the Christmas dinner…I would have sat back and realized how truly lucky I was to have had my whole family around a table, enjoying an amazing meal together.
It’s a simple reminder this time of year…but enjoy every second of it. You never know what the coming year holds.
Strangely, I was thinking the same thing this morning. I realized that Christmas is about to arrive and I honestly have let it slip me by this year. I find this so sad as I’m usually the one with the most holiday spirit – planning gifts months in advance, cooking, and decorating the house with hot cocoa in hand. I’m thankful for realizing this today as Christmas is still a few days away. Starting tonight I will change my attitude and try to soak it all in. I will enjoy the magic of Christmas right along with my kids!
Jennifer
http://itchylittleworld.wordpress.com
Thanks for commenting in Jo and I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. Good for you (and for your aunt)…it’s true – she would want you to embrace it and make it as special for your kids as she did for you! And I know – the new girlfriend can be hard…my dad found someone very quickly – I think it’s survival for men…I can only speak from my experience…but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t still miss your mom…:). Enjoy!
This little story hit me. My mom was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer last January, and passed away in May, so last Christmas was my last Christmas with my amazing mom too. I was having a tough time getting the Christmas spirit, feeling all sorry for myself about how different things would be this year, with my dad and his new girlfriend(?!?!wtf). I was talking with my aunt and she said something about my mom that made me realize that if my mom is watching down on me, she’d want me to embrace Christmas like she always did. Now I’ve got 2 days to pull together a wonderful Christmas for my kids and family. And yes, I’m taking it all in too. Thanks for sharing.
okay Julie….thanks for the smile out of a horrible situation…I’m so sorry about your friend – what a terrible time of year to lose someone.
The memories I have of all my favourite Christmases are from when I was the same ages that my children are now.
I know that these are the memories that they will have. We are making memories…
I am taking it all in. Every single second…
A casual acquaintance of mine/a friend of my mum’s passed away on Friday.
She leaves behind an 8 yr old daughter and 12 yr old son.
What makes this story even more devastating is that the day after her daughter was born her husband died very suddenly from an infection.
I cannot fathom…
So yes. I am taking it all in. Hugs. Snuggles. Bedtime stories. Staying up a little later. No sweating the small stuff.
oh good lord, i didn’t “have her killed”!!!!
i had my eyes opened when i had a friend killed suddenly last month. you certainly have your eyes opened after something like that and realize what you have NOT been doing lately.
Despite the fatigue and the regular stress that can come at this time of year, I really try to keep my eyes wide open. Indeed, we never know what’s around the corner…
Great post, lady. Sending you hugs. Tight ones. xox
You are so right…hugs to you during this holiday….sometimes we have to remember to sit back and enjoy the little things that make life so special….this holiday I am celebrating for my children and seeing Christmas through their eyes…Knowing what my sister is going through has changed my perspective in life…
Yes, Sara. Exactly.
ouch..tough post, well done.