marcoujor: Maternal Memories and Merriment

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​The holiday season, starting with Thanksgiving, brings a flood of heartwarming memories to mind. Mom is always front and center in my thoughts.   

A friend (thanks, Lesley) recently remembered a poem that I wrote shortly after Mom’s death. This poem reminds me that Mom’s inspirational wisdom surrounds me - always will - even in the grand ‘scent’ of things.

​See what I mean as I share: The Scent of my Mother Still

How can my heart be heavy…
When the sweet scent of a rose,
Forever reminds me of my Mother
As its fragrance assaults my nose.

How can I not be reminded…
Of a woman so simple and good,
Breathing in that signature Jean Nate
No stronger perfume, Mom ever would

How can the holidays not be special...
With the strong, traditional smell of pine
Whether tree, candle or potpourri,
Mother's house was so divine

How can I not help but smile…
Opening a drawer lined with lavender sachet,
A reminder of Mom's relaxing way,
She would make everything OK.

How can my heart not sing…
When I catch a Springtime whiff
Of a delicate lilac branch
The kind we would always sniff.


How can my heart be heavy…
When Mom smiles my way
With so many fragrant reminders,
My angel in heaven to see one day.

I miss sharing things - the good, the bad, and even the funny… I recently got the following smile maker from a dear friend (thanks, Alice.) I can feel Mom’s eyes twinking down from heaven - as I share this now with you:​

​Thought you might enjoy a little background about the Christmas angel........

When four of Santa's elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the Pre-Christmas pressure.

Then Mrs. Claus told Santa her mother was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more.

When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out, Heaven knows where.

Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered.

Frustrated, Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum.

When he went to the cupboard, he discovered the elves had drunk all the cider and hidden the liquor.  In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider jug, and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom.

Just then the doorbell rang, and an irritated Santa marched to the door, yanked it open, and there stood a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.

The angel said very cheerfully, 'Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't this a lovely day?  I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?'

And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.
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Not a lot of people know this. And now you do  😊

In closing, I’d like to share this song with you that I first heard at my University’s holiday concert by the Voices of Gwynedd.

Thanks to Anastasia, Ashley, Dennis and Justina - nurses who sing like you take healing to the next degree: ​

Wishing you and those you love peace, blessings and the best of health as we greet 2018 together.

Hugs, mar