Sunday, December 31, 2023

Fruitcake, yay or nay

 Fruitcake, yay or nay.

I love Fruitcake. My mother made it every year for Thanksgiving and the holidays. That's if we didn't eat it all at Thanksgiving! Mom would even go as far as hiding a loaf in the back of the refrigerator or freezer. That way, we would be sure to have a loaf for Christmas or New Year's. I remember she would begin making the loaves months in advance. One year at Christmas, Mom gave me an I O U for a fruitcake. She knew how much I loved it. She wanted to make me one for my next birthday. My birthday is in August, but Mom passed the very next July. Our 1st family Thanksgiving without Mom was difficult, to say the least. Unless you've experienced a holiday without a loved one for the 1st time, there are no words that can describe the emptiness. Her chair at the table, empty. We would grieve all over again at  first holidays without her. Oddly, my sister went to the frig to look for something, and behold, she found one of Mom's fruitcakes. It was the very last loaf she made. Hidden, just as she would do. Fast forward, a couple of years ago, my stepmother gave me a "Mother's " dessert plate. Every year on December 31st, my mother's birthday, I use the plate to serve fruitcake. It's my way of celebrating Mom. I still have the fruitcake I O U on my refrigerator. Enjoy your family and loved ones while they are still here. Celebrate their lives and cherish the memories if they have passed. God bless.



Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Time or Faith

 Time or Faith

Faith is believing in the unseen. Time is the in-between.   Hebrews 11:1, Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Some of us have such wonderful relationships with friends & family members, that even when we don't see them on a daily basis, we can pick up right where we left off. As if time stands still. The same can be with your higher power. God will never leave or forsake you. You can pickup where you left off, any day, anytime. Christmas is a special time of year. We reach out or send Christmas cards to loved ones, family and friends. Some we see on a daily basis, and some not so much. Perhaps only that one time a year. No matter the time period, you can always reach out or be there. This Christmas was Xtra special for me. A reconnection with an old friend through social media I havent seen in over 20 years. I picked up the phone and called her. I also spoke with my daughter overseas, and my Dad over 1300 miles away. But to top it off was hearing a sweet little voice at the other end of line saying " Merry Christmas Grandma Michele" . I don't get to see her because of the miles and time between us, but she has faith knowing there's a Grandmother that loves her will receive her message. Don't loose heart, never let time be a barrier, and keep the faith!