Family and Friends ruthjimward@gmail.com Google: Ruth Ward blogs:
A Blessed Christmas and a Peaceful and Meaningful New Year.
When my friend Judi shared recently, “When I was an adult, before Christmas, my mom always asked me what she could get me for Christmas, and I’d always reply, “Find a dish or cup in your China cabinet and tell me who gave it to you. I like the stories,” encouraged Gifts’ Memories.
As I chatted with a church friend a few weeks ago, and admired a necklace that she was wearing, she said, “Oh, there’s a story behind this necklace. I sent it to her years ago. She sent it back saying, ‘I’ve enjoyed wearing this necklace for years and it’s your turn to enjoy it.’”
Since Christmas conjures up memories galore, combining Christmas greetings and Gifts’ Memories blog was a no-brainer, reiterating the tremendously important inclusion of sharing stories as an exercise in resisting forgetfulness. To new readers, forgetfulness is not necessarily connected to aging as is commonly assumed, but actually it’s in not rehearsing past events and facts and figures that we forget.
Emerging from the sight of gifts received years ago are delightful memories, especially when mixed with siblings’ recall. And to bear this out, just this morning, during brother Mac’s phone call, we chatted about decorations that we were putting up. He mentioned that as usual, he put Mom’s Christmas tree in his office. Mom’s tree stands 18 inches equipped with an electric light bulb which lights up multi-colored little bulbs. When she was in her mid-nineties, during a craft class she made not one, but at least six trees—one for each child. It’s also the first decoration that I put up.
During a recent, regular call from Jim’s cousin, Don, he reminded me about how proud his grandson, Myles, is for a tool box with a few tools, that Jim and I gave to him when he was a preschooler. Sometimes, Jim would throw in one of his extra tools. But, each year, we’d make a special trip to Harbor Freight to find another tool for Myles’ toolbox collection, which Grandpa Don says he still proudly uses during his college years. Giving gifts is a two-way street. A good feeling accompanies a gift well received. The giver is blessed as well as the receiver.
Working along side of Jim on one of his many projects was accompanied by his memory as he chose a particular tool and he’d share who gave it to him or how he found it at a yard sale—his reason for going to yard sales, in the first place. But invariably, he would come home bearing more non-tool stuff than we needed to add to our accumulation of belongings. Jim couldn’t pass up a good buy.
Take a look in your jewelry box, clothes closet or other storage areas to focus on who gave you what you enjoy wearing or using. Perhaps, even a recipe that you’ve enjoyed. Call or write that person or if they are gone on to glory, share with one of his/her children.
I keep my dear friend, Carolyn in my thoughts as I enjoy using her gift of flowered China cups. Other gifts that she gave me through the years are also treasured. Her children know how much we helped and enjoyed each other.
Regarding blogs: Once a month seems to fit better with my schedule. Jim was one of my main encouragers in writing the blogs to help and encourage people with stories and scriptures.
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. His love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord, say so, (or tell their story.) Ps. 107:1-.2 The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom: 6:23b. Love and prayers, Ruth, Ruthie, Aunt Ruth, Aunt Ruthie, G-Ma Ruth
FB: Have you discovered the wealth of memories surrounding gifts given? Please share. Click on: https://ruthmcrobertsward.com/gifts-memories/ and view Kurt’s scene.