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| Uncle Mark holding John in front of the tree in 1969 |
It is Saturday, December 21st of 1957. Mom is bustling around the house getting things in order as today is the big day. It is the last practice of the church Christmas program. That does not make me happy. There is a lot of snow outside and it would be a great day to go sledding. There is also the puzzle that is waiting to be completed and of course it would be fun to play Dave in Ping Pong. We are pretty even when we play but last time he beat me and I am itching to get back at him. BUT it is into the cold car and off to Bergen Church for at least 2 hours. At the age of ten I did not realize that these program practices and the actual program were perhaps the highlight of the year for Mom. She loved to play the piano and during the program I am sure we sang MANY songs! I suppose it is not expected that a 10 year old boy would understand that about his mom but it would have been nice. We arrive at the church at 12:50 PM and of course we are the first ones there. Walking into the church I inhale the aroma of pews, song books and Christmas trees. By 1:30 everyone is there, perhaps 20 kids and Mom. For the next couple of hours it is stand up, sit down, sing, be quiet and that goes on and on and on it seems. Finally by 4:30 we are finished and we head home, again in a cold car, as darkness settles in on the North Dakota prairie land. As we drive home I do take some satisfaction from the fact that Chuckie and I did catch up on school, home and THINGS boys talk about.
It is December 10, 1955. Dad had been away for several days dealing with some health issues which of course were not shared with us kids. Mom was so excited as she thought Dad would be home today, Saturday. Some how we had gotten a small tree and the lights were up. It was not a magnificent tree, like one would wish for, but Mom was happy and excited about it as there had been times when there was no tree. The floor under the tree was bare linoleum but after all Christmas was 2 weeks away. About 3:00 PM as Joan finished washing dishes and Dave and I had all of them dry Mom looked out the window and said in an excited voice, "Daddy is home". Everyone rushed to the entry, raced past the cream separator and opened the door to welcome Dad who had several packages. He came into the house and placed them on the kitchen table and then handed one to Mom. He smiled and said to open it right away. There in a cardboard box were shiney cone like reflectors that were meant to put on each tree light. Mom thought they were wonderful. I am guessing that after we put them on the tree lights Mom thought it was the best tree ever.
Memories, they are good to have and fun to make.
An update on Naples life. Terry is doing more and more things. She now goes on walks by herself and does well. She is almost off all pain meds and that is good. Today she will spend some time in the kitchen as she makes a couple of things for our party tomorrow.
I actually took Thursday off from tennis and that helped my foot. It is not bad but it does bother when I do too much. I will find out on Tuesday if there is any hairline fracture but really it makes no difference as no matter what it is time will heal it. Our last fall tennis match is tomorrow. After wards the team and wives will come over for a picnic party. Terry is making potato salad and beans while I will BQ burgers and brats. Nothing fancy but I think it will be a good time. I have already started to think about the winter season which begins with league play January 16th. I will have 13 players, 8 of which will be pretty quality tennis players. It may be interesting to get in playing time for everyone. Maybe I have recruited to the point where I will be hurting for playing time!!! I think the guys feel I am a pretty good captain now but after the season maybe that will change.
My Advent readings have been very good. I am so thankful for the goodness of our God.
The Baileys and FP are gone. Oh my, a week from today will be Christmas Day.
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