Wednesday, December 06, 2006

His last Thanksgiving was spent at my sisters home in Virginia. Of course we did not know it was to be that, but as things would turn out, it was.

The day after the feast, we set into motion those things families do to make memories and to have fun together. Several people were in the kitchen preparing sugar cookie dough. I love the aroma that wafts through the house when baking sweets. I am filled with anticipation of the incredible taste that is to ultimately come my way.

BJ and Joshua played with light sabers, once again conquering the evil rebellion. It was funny though, how when they played, once the enemy was defeated, they had to go at each other. Surely, a man's vivid imagination gets its start at this young age, where pretending is at its prime.

Recovering from deadly blows from a light saber in 2.3 seconds was the norm. Then they would leap back to their feet and battle on. How did they have that much energy? I got tired smelling the cookie dough as it was stirred and posted into the refrigerator for the obligatory 2 hour chill!

Finally, the time would pass, and we were ready to begin the process of baking what seemed to have taken eons longer than 2.3 seconds to prepare.

The yummy dough would come out of the fridge, and be rolled out onto the table. Suddenly a host of heavenly wee ones surrounded the table filled with excitement over the chance to cut dough into Christmas shapes! Once prepared, off to the oven they would venture.

Then, that smell!!! Oh how incredible it is to have your memories laced not only with the alluring aroma, but also the endearing visions of our children's antics. They danced around the house in great expectation of what was about to come out of the oven!

Golden brown formed dough in shapes of the upcoming season, cooled on the table. Those dancers returned with more enthusiasm. It was time to decorate the cookies.

This thought had been the motivation of the day! Not a single child could resist the temptation of sneaking bites of frosting along the way (especially this big one). All of us stood around the table decorating Christmas cookies. Brad's were the best. He must have gotten most of my Dad's "art" genes. His cookies made the rest of ours look like a bunch of hungry rookies had done them. I guess he just has more self control than the rest of us.

Anyway, while his were the best, a close second in my mind were BJ's. He took such time and care with his. Anyone who has spent time with him at meals knows of his pleasure in the slow enjoyment of food...something he got from my Mom's genes. His cookies were intricately adorned with color and detail. He could take a vision in his head, and re-create it on a silly cookie.

I can still see him licking his fingers as he went. This was good stuff. These were precious times and bring refreshment yet, a bit of melancholy.

There was no way we could know this would be our last Thanksgiving together. I don't believe I could have cherished it any more had I known.

This Christmas, as you gather as family, plan to make memories together. Do silly things like baking, and playing games. Fully enjoy the moments as they come. Resist the temptation to get short with one another. These memories will last you for a lifetime.

dad

3 Comments:

At 11:59 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

What an awesome memory...I can see him in my mind's eye.

Yes, we need to spend time together, and not "stress" about the holidays. It is a time of togetherness, making memories, having fun, and praising God for the gift of His Son!!! Thank you for the reminder Brent! Have a blessed day!

Linda Anderson

 
At 12:04 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

What a wonderful visual you gave us this morning Brent. Thank you.

We plan on taking in every moment this year as Hollie comes home for a weeks holiday from the 23rd to the 30th. We have games purchased and ideas of what to do running through our heads. As much as I miss my other children and my mum I am so excited about this Christmas, we consider it to be our first Christmas as a family together with Kevin and Hollie and I. A time for us to start our own new traditions, a time to enjoy all the things that the Lord has done and is doing in our daughter. What a roller coaster year it has been, but one I would never change.

In His Love
Linda

 
At 4:44 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

True wisdom for the season, and for each day!

Have a blessed Christmas this year, with memories of your precious son, while making new memories for your precious daughters!

 

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