A new year prompts most of us to reflect, to plan, and perhaps to resolve. Unless you are only four years old like my niece, of course, and bringing in the new year means nothing more than joyful fun with permission to blow horns at the dinner table to and to lick the ice cream bowl clean.
How carefree, what fun to be only four years old. I think as I sit here on this cold January afternoon that I could benefit from the simple, joyous enthusiasm for life that shines through my niece. I had ample opportunity to observe her joie de vivre over the recent holidays thanks to the kindness and generosity of my grandmother who whisked my entire family away to the Caribbean where we enjoyed the warmth and sunlight our souls have been craving for the past two months. Gloomy skies and bitter winter winds were forgotten as we sailed through calm waters, basked under warm rays, sprawled on white beaches, and gorged ourselves on delicious food.
The anxieties of the past few months were, if not forgotten entirely, pushed aside. Cousins became thoroughly reacquainted, parents relaxed, teenagers slept, and as for my four-year-old niece? She sparkled, she danced, she played, she laughed, she sang, and we loved her for it, none of us more than my grandmother whose devotion to each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren is surely unsurpassed.
On this wintry afternoon I remember my grandmother with grateful thoughts, not only for the gift of this recent holiday, but also, even more, for her unswerving devotion through every year of my life thus far. I also think of my exuberant niece, and I resolve, whenever possible, not to squelch joy but to foster it in my own heart and in that of my family members in the coming year.
Christie - what a wonderful grandmother you have, although I guess she feels she receives as much from her family as she gives.
I am currently studying Oral Family History which prompts me to ask if you have considered interviewing and recording some conversations with her. I am sure that she would have a wealth of experiences to share with her descendants, which at some stage in their future lives would treasure.
Posted by: Judy | 01/07/2015 at 10:43 AM
That's a great suggestion, Judy. We have had conversations about her experiences, but I haven't actually recorded any of them.
Posted by: Christie | 01/08/2015 at 05:34 AM
Beautiful family photos, Christie! I especially love the second to last one, of your grandmother.
Sarah is four right now, and we are enjoying her so much.
Happy New Year!
Posted by: Shanda | 01/23/2015 at 10:29 PM