SCENES OF CHRISTMAS 2007

New traditions and old ones combined. We know it will never be the same, but there is comfort in the rituals we perform. Christmas Eve at the Davis' with that succulent prime rib that Brian prepares so well. We amused ourselves before dinner with green drinks and red drinks and yellow drinks and purple drinks and clear drinks-did I mention that the preliminaries are an extended cocktail hour with interesting appetizers. "I'm not eating that, well I didn't think I was going to eat that, oh I wish I hadn't eaten that, hey, that was good."

It was odd that the sisters (referred to as "The Committee") independently arrived at special sister gifts that reflected their unique interests and personalities. If possible we have grown closer since the passing of Mother, but we have always had a connection that transcends time and distance.

Lori presented each of us separately with a guardian angel for our cars. I gathered the ladies together to pass out beaded and silver bracelets with a charm labeled "HOPE" and a toast to our Mother. Kathleen presented each of us with a glass figurine based upon astrological symbolism. Marcia provided each lady with major bling-new evening bags and beautifully delicate black and silver bracelets. My daughter smiled benignly but I thought again how much she would have enjoyed a sister. Her aunts include her whenever they can drag her away and she has a special bond with them.

The highlight of the evening was when we secretly decorated Kathleen's car with antlers and a big red Rudolph nose. For those who do not know, K's always been the one with the antlers and carries them on her rear-view mirror throughout the year. Understandably so, it was difficult for all of us to get into the mood, but this was the first glimmer of light. We all gathered outside and brought Kathleen out to see and, there is no other word for it, she pranced when she saw the magically decorated car and her smile lit up the night. There was not a person there who was not touched by how such a simple gesture could add so much joy to the occasion.

Christmas Day dinner was at our house as it has been for probably 30 years. We decided on a "Dirty Santa" this year with each participant bringing a wrapped gift. We each drew a number and oddly enough the eldest, Dad, chose number 1 and the youngest player, David picked the last number. Dad was fantastic as he went from package to package, shaking them, feeling them, holding his hands before his mouth in feigned consternation over which package to choose. After a few rounds the "trading" began. Kristen and Matt's strategy was to choose the same item so as to increase the odds of getting at least one of the desired objects - the flying helicopter. However, Dad is a bigger kid than any there so the battle waged fiercely for those darned helicopters! At any rate they ended up with one. The final chooser, David, looked at the assorted booty and said "I really don't want any of it!" Too funny, especially since the last wrapped package was the one he brought and he didn't want that either. I thought we would collapse from laughter.

Each person would drift now and then as we remembered Christmas' past and looked forward to a better New Year. Dad, usually the life of the party, was much quieter than usual although he tried. We understood and just kept moving things around him or brought out another distraction. But Jamie put it best when he said "everyone would be there except the empty chair". Leave it to a 10 year old to put it in perspective. Merry Christmas Mom.

MOVING SCENES

Probably moving the weekend before Christmas was not the best idea, but Kristen and Matt had little choice in the timing. We along with one of Matt's friends managed to move the big items into their new home in one day. Fortunately Matt had spent the previous two weeks packing, sorting and moving boxes beforehand. As he pointed out, he moved all the boxes on the snowiest day of the season and moved the rest of it on the windiest day of the season. Great timing, but it is December.

Some choice remarks on the day "Never a third floor residence again!" (well it made sense at the time). "Where's the cat?" "Old people have good ideas (when we remember them)!"That's never going to fit" (it did) and of course, "#!$%" by everyone at one time or another.

As I sat in their living room on a lawn chair-furniture shopping is next on the list-I enjoyed watching my children in their first home laughing, fussing and thoroughly enjoying the moment and remembering our crazy crews of movers when we were young. Almost lost Larry on a pile of bedding in one move as we took a corner a little too fast. This was in the days before mandatory seatbelts and MIOSHA and our daring friend decided to "ride" the load to the new apartment. That was the move where the boys were tossing items up to the balcony to avoid taking the stairs every two minutes. Only broke one thing and I just chose not to look.

The stair idea was something we should have considered as all of us had aching calves for two days. Oh well exercise is good.

ANOTHER MILESTONE

December 11, 2007. My beautiful daughter's 25th birthday. I say to her as my younger bratty sister said to me. You are a quarter of a century old today, or will be at least at 10:03 am officially.

I know every mother says this, but I remember the night/day of your birth like it was yesterday. I worked that day and then your father and I took his employees out for a Christmas dinner at the now defunct Lansing Playboy Club. I actually enjoyed some wine for the first time in almost nine months, which we got to watch come back later along with a nice dinner. As we treated our party to cocktails and coffee at the house you decided to bust my amniotic bubble and the race was on. After gently easing people out the door, we looked at each other and giggled - now what (last time I giggled that night I can assure you). So I called a friend, Jan and said now what? She hollered "go to the hospital!" This lady had given birth within minutes essentially herself so her fear was real.

You however took your own sweet time, about 12 hours. Very long boring night punctuated with moments of great excitement, yelling etc... I do remember telling your father at one point to cut out his darned insistence on following the script and relaxing during a contraction. I believe I told him what he could do with that suggestion-nicely I am sure.

When the doctor was about to leave to teach a class we gave one mighty effort and spoiled his leaving. At one point I said they should have music for this like the "Volga Boat" song. You know Yo Ho Heave Ho. Seemed appropriate. The doctor, probably for the first time in his career, suggested we put a sock or something in the Mother's mouth to keep her quiet. I do distinctly remember that. I was the Star and I think it was funny.

But I will always remember the look on your Father's face and the tears that fell from his eyes, unnoticed I am sure, onto his mask as they placed that beautiful little girl with all that dark hair in his arms. They have always had a special bond those two.

Happy Birthday Kristen. We love you!

SEA SCENES

I was able to share something truly unique last night. My sister Marcia is on a cruise to Panama over the next ten days. She is, deservedly so, indulging herself with a seaside suite complete with balcony. I receive a call shortly before 5 pm and she is calling from her balcony!

She first, at my insistence, describes that the railing is "boob high" with pexi-glass covering the openings. There is a small canopy over the top. This is in response to my insistence she tie a rope to her ankle and the railing to assure no "woman overboard" incidents while enjoying her cocktails on the veranda dutifully and frequently supplied by William the cabin man.

She yells excitedly "we're moving". We hear the bells and whistles and I yell BON VOYAGE several times while telling her I am pitching virtual streamers from dockside. We watch as the pilot boat takes them down the channel describing the mansions that face the water in that area of Fort Lauderdale. She is accosted twice by a coast guard boat who are also part of the water parade. The second time as she is happily waving to the crewmen I tell her "Pay attention!" "They're yelling, find your life jacket, the boat is sinking!" Eventually I give up and we wave at the handsome crewmen together. Should be a spectacular disaster.

With a final, long and in my opinion, totally unnecessary blast the ship is set free from her tethered pilot boat and they are alone on the high seas. Best of journeys to my own Sister Princess on the aptly named "Coral Princess".

HOME SWEET HOME

Big news this week is Matt and Kristen will be signing the papers on their new home. A sweet cape cod with 2 car garage, some outbuildings and 2 1/2 acres. Guess we'll all be working on a holiday move-should be fun. I get the bedroom back and Kristen gets to use all her beautiful wedding presents. Best part is some wonderful mature trees perfect for Uncle John to build a tree house.....

Running joke for me was my daughter graduated college in 2005, got married in 2006, bought a house in 2007. What's in store for 2008? Matt said, with finality, in 2008 we rest. Hmmm his wife may have other thoughts.