Jewells of Thought

The first week of Christmas has already disappeared. What happened? How is it that it’s Friday the 8th. The Christmas Program is over and tomorrow is Grandma’s Church Program. It just doesn’t seem possible for that to be the next item on the Christmas list.

I do think they have moved it up a week earlier though. It’s kind of a Bishop Family Tradition. Goodness that event alone brings about a lot of emotions for me. The 24th anniversary of Grandpa’s passing is days away. Sometimes it really sneaks up on me or like the year I am anticipating it days ahead. It’s different year to year depending on my busyness of mind, I suppose.

Although the new elephant in the room is the fact there’s another hole missing in our pew this year. No matter how many years it’s been I can still remember the year Grandpa had the stroke and was in the hospital. Then Sunday night at the Dugger Church while the two Choirs sang he died in his sleep.

Sometimes I wish I could forget the little details and yet that’s how I am like my Grandma Betty. I may not make the little notes on everything, but I remember the little observations and tuck them away for safe keeping. It’s why I write to type what I remember down to keep a record like both Grandma Betty and her Dad did, Great-Grandpa Arla. I am so much like my elders because they were my example growing up. Plus the Alsman side had a little to do with that as well. Grandpa Freddy encouraged my writing things down to start with I am simply a product of my family’s habits and mannerisms with Church and duty to family.

Spend as much time with family as you can this Christmas season. Do as much unplugging as you cane make cookies, decorations, play outside. You never know when the next Pearl Harbor could happen. Be prepared spiritually and prayerfully. I may still cry like a baby… I have been told it’s the artist in me. I have also been told it’s because of the love that surrounded me by those who have passed on and that it’s a good thing. It means I was loved and that they also showed love to me well. I will never forget being in the bathroom in the Administration Building talking to my former supervisor. I was sobbing and trying to wipe my face when she shared those thoughts with me.

I needed to hear her words that day. Then I heard Dr. Pratt and he said, after all these years, maybe 10-15 years, he still mourned his father and he probably would till he, himself dies. It made me more human, but I already well respected him and enjoyed his teaching. God has given me more than I deserve in many ways of blessings with College and the people I met. Christmas is a time to be joyful and grateful. Let the Lord work in your heart this Season… what is He telling you this Christmas?