If this year has taught me nothing else… it is recognizing the fact that just having the ” Presence” of the people we love together and sharing kindness and joy, laughter, and gratitude is the most important component of Christmas while recognizing/ feeling God’s Presence with usalso.
I truly didn’t know if I would be ” present” for Christmas just a few weeks ago…at the lowest point when I was too weak to stand and too dizzy to think clearly.
But after turning it over to God and trusting in Him to lead me in the direction He had chosen…. my physical and mental health slowly started returning… for how long I don’t know but so appreciate each moment of every day. The craziness of pre-Christmas busyness is always trying to intrude… more so for my adult children and grandchildren.
Recent happenings…
I will have to have more time to tell you the story behind this championship win in Charlotte-Rutledge got sick and went to Charlotte twice with the storm in the middle but got there to play in the final games and the team won the Championship. Gin-g came over to see me yesterday and brought fun items for the grandchildren and flowers, also decor but the best part was listening to Gin-g tell me about introducing The Year of the Perfect Christmas by my friend Gloria Houston. Brooke and I went to Waynesville for ( mother Ruthie’ s 95 birthday -she was in reality ” Ruthie” the main character in the true story -the Christmas after WWI ended in November 1918.If you have young children or grandchildren do get and read this book… especially suited for early elementary grades. Tommy first heard it from his second grade teacher/the lovable and student memorable Mrs. Ward … I had also gone to the National Storytelling Festival in Tennessee and Gloria’s book was the Christmas book of the year.
I brought a copy home to read to Tommy and he squealed when he saw it in delight… the same book Mrs Ward had been reading just a few short pages each day … with the class begging her to read more. He came home everyday telling me about it and now he had a copy signed by Gloria and the real ” Ruthie” ! In Waynesville!!’ Brooke drove me… had just been diagnosed with breast cancer!
And finally…guess ” who” … sent me a card and package of morning glories-Sammy the Cardinal! Air Flight!
Anne’s original painting of ” Big Red.”
So until tomorrow… Let the magic of Christmas continue… every day has the possibility of joy and kindness… and precious memories!
Jake, our fisher boy, caught this the day before the storm.
I was born a Tarheel but ended up a Sandlapper. My grandparents
were cotton farmers in Laurens, South Carolina and it was in my
grandmother’s house that my love of storytelling began beside an old
Franklin stove. When I graduated from Laurens High School, I attended
Erskine College (Due West of what?) and would later get my Masters
Degree in Education/Social Studies from Charleston Southern. I am
presently an adjunct professor/clinical supervisor at CSU and have also
taught at the College of Charleston.
For 28 years I taught Social Studies through storytelling. My philosophy
matched Rudyard Kipling’s quote: “If history were taught in the form of
stories, it would never be forgotten.” Today I still spread this message
through workshops and presentations throughout the state. The secret
of success in teaching social studies is always in the story.
I want to keep learning and being surprised by life…it is the greatest
teacher. Like Kermit said, “When you’re green you grow, when you’re
ripe you rot.”
Becky I am so glad that your health has improved so you can enjoy the presence of those who love you. My thoughts and prayers are with you! Merry Christmas, my friend!
Jane Taylor Freeman
ichaseferalcats
John Turner
Legally Ohm
Becky Dingle
My “bestest” present was visiting with you Becky…always love our time together…
Same here!
Sent from my iPhone
Becky I am so glad that your health has improved so you can enjoy the presence of those who love you. My thoughts and prayers are with you! Merry Christmas, my friend!
Jane Taylor Freeman
So wonderful to hear from you Jane! So many high school memories…I do wish for a fantastic Merry Christmas! 🎄🎁
Sent from my iPhone