How Quickly....

   Years ago when Mark's grandmother was still with us, she would lament the fact that her only visitors came on Christmas and Easter.  Oh, now and again (but rarely), someone would stop in to see her but they never sat down and visited for long.  It was more of a hit and miss thing.  I am sure she heard all of the usual excuses that we all give.  "I am too busy with work."  "The kids are running me ragged."  "I have errands to run." etc.  I had it easy.  Since Mark insisted that I not work outside the home, I had time to be home with the kids and go visit our elderly relatives.  To me, it was a pleasure.  The kids loved going with me and they brought smiles to the old folks' faces.  There is nothing like a child to brighten the day of those not able to get around as much as they did in the past.  Still, my visits did not make up for the emptiness of Momie's day.  She longed for visitors that never came.  On holidays, she would get up, struggle to dress in her nicest clothes securing the buttons/zippers with arthritic hands, place a few decorations on display and set out what meager sweets she had in hopes that her family and friends would come. Only once were we able to convince her to spend Christmas Eve night and Christmas Day with us. Momie was afraid that she would miss a visitor if she was not at home.  She so wished that she could be a part of the happy times that were once a big part of her life.  Shame on us all for neglecting those who need us.  We tried but it was just not enough.  I would give anything to go back and make amends for not spending the entire holidays with folks like Momie.

  How quickly those sands of time slip away from us.  Now, it is my turn.  Tonight, being Christmas Eve, the Little Bayou House should be bustling with joyous laughter, folks with packages, and last minute preparations for the "Big Day"!  It should be filled with the aromas, sounds and sights of Christmas.  Sure, the Little Bayou House is decorated....minimally.  Since no one else is here to enjoy the decorations, it was of little use to adorn the place.  Yep, there are a few home-baked cookies sitting on a tray in the dining room but nothing like the dozens of trays from years past.  There are few packages under the tree, stockings hang limp (no Santa will visit tonight) and my Christmas Eve meal consisted of crackers, cheese and an apple.  I sit listening to the old dog snore and the cat purr while I sip a cup of tea.  This is nothing like Christmases past.  There will be no pitter patter of little feet coming down the stairs nor any squeals of delight because "Santa came!".  The sands of time have come crashing down around me.  I am "Momie" wishing things could be different. 

  Before you get the idea that all is gloom and doom on the Bayou, I beg to tell you...it is not.  I refuse to wallow in self pity.  The tree is lit, carols are softly playing and I am perfectly content with my memories and with the fact that next Christmas most of the family will be home.  Then...the lights will blink a bit brighter and the carols will be sung louder.  Things will be merry and bright.  These were all just thoughts as I sit here this Christmas Eve night.  Until then...Merry Christmas, folks.  May the bliss of Christmas Peace find you and be with you the entire coming year.