Wednesday, December 16, 2015

It happened today

My old grinch heart grew 3 sizes today.  It was a day full of sweet and bittersweet memories.
It's funny how you get more sentimental as you get older. Many months ago I was chatting with a friend and I don't know how we got on the subject but I told her my Mom used to have one of those lit ceramic Christmas trees and how I wished I still had it.  Well, today she presented me with this
She's been scouring thrift stores ever since looking for one.   Just looking at it makes me happy, not only for the memories it brings back but that I am blessed with such a thoughtful and caring friend.   But that's not the end of today's sappy sentiment.  Last weekend we lost a dear family friend. She was a vibrant 98 years old.  She was an incredible cook and that theme of her food and baking was a common thread throughout her eulogy Monday.  Every year since I can remember a huge box of Christmas baking arrived at the house.  Once I became a licensed driver I was summoned each December to pick up the box.  I loved my visits with her.  She was not only kind and generous but incredibly funny. The last few years she lived in a retirement home in a small apartment.  She always had a scandalous tale of the goings on there.  Cracked me up.   Even last Christmas, at the ripe old age of 97, she called for me to pick up "the box".  Usually 3 dozen cookies, a couple of different cakes and the best part was a homemade apple pie.   Following the funeral her daughter called me aside. She said "Mom didn't forget about you, she started her baking early". And today "the box" was delivered.  And of the items in it was one final apple pie 
Auntie and I shared it and we both ate it with tears streaming down our faces.  It was like she sent it from heaven.   So here I sit, belly full of pie, staring at my ceramic Christmas tree and starting to feel like Christmas and all the things that are important 

20 comments:

  1. Oh Kim what a time you have had that tree is such a nice gift. I have had mine for some time. But oh the pie how that touched my heart. I have an auntie that is 92 and going strong. She is famous for her banana bread.
    Merry Christmas
    Cathy

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  2. My mascara is running. The best Christmas post I've read. My mom had that same tree, two foot tall, and I still have it.

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  3. Ah Kim what a lovely post...I too have tears in my eyes...what a special lady your friend was...my late grandmother had a ceramic Christmas tree just like the one you posted...my mom has it now...I am glad to read you and Auntie enjoyed the apple pie it looks delicious!

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  4. Wonderful post and story about your family. My grandmother made a tree and I always loved it, my older sister has it now and i have been looking for one too, but the ones I have seen just don't have the special magic so I will keep looking until I find the perfect one;)

    Debbie

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  5. I remember that tree! Aren't friends just angels in disguise? What a wonderful post...I'm betting that lovely lady is smiling down on you!

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  6. Wonderful! ... memories sure are sweet..

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  7. The Christmas Spirit is alive and it has visited you. What a generous soul that lady was. I bet she'll be put in the kitchen in heaven. Merry Christmas.
    Hugs,
    JB

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  8. Thanks for the tears this morning, loved reading your post...Merry Christmas to you & Abby!
    Tammy

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  9. Yes tears, how wonderful Kim, that's why I love Christmas. I only people would feel like this all year long. Hugs Francine.

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  10. What a beautiful lady she was, to be so thoughtful. Tears for me this morning too but a reminder to appreciate every day. My mom has a ceramic tree like that too, and I guess one day, it will be my touchstone.

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  11. Wow! What an absolutely beautiful Christmas post! I bet you have plenty of blog readers with tears in their eyes while reading this! Merry Christmas!

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  12. What a wonderful post!!! I am so thankful your friend found that Christmas tree. My grandma had one,too. I wondered what happened to it. What a lovely gift.

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  13. ohmy...thank you so much for sharing this with us. Wonderful...'the tree' and 'the box'. Tears running.

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  14. How beautiful. I'm also writing you off the blog.

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  15. Oh, Kim, what an absolutely wonderful post!! First the tree, then a pie? I am so happy for you!

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  16. What a heartwarming post, my dear Kim. I'm teary just like everyone else.
    I have one of those trees my mom made me many years ago. I haven't had it out in years, but may just have to go look for it.
    What a beautiful story of your sweet 98 year old friend.
    You are blessed with so many wonderful friendships.
    Hugs :)
    Lauren

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  17. Oh my gosh! This post is as precious as it is tear jerking.Merry holidays friend!

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  18. I am so sorry for the loss of your friend but how wonderful to get that box from her! She'll definitely be an angel watching over you.
    I have two of those ceramic trees. One was grandma's an another from an aunt. I love them too!
    You were blessed this week!

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  19. Wow! That is just sweet.You have been fortunate to have great caring friends. :)

    I am glad that these kindnesses lifted your spirit. Have a great Friday and weekend.
    Take care, Janet W

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