Texans also have the tradition of lighting the paths to their doors with candles, although we call them luminaria. But of course most of these are now electrified ceramic bags. Ammo says it looks as if a bunch of brown-bagging drunks have left their empties on the front lawn. A bunch of very orderly brown-bagging drunks.
Until you explained what the tradition meant, we didn't know, and it's a very beautiful one. Odd, the vision of you in this eerie O'Keefeish setting, kneeling and lighting all these candles--I picture it very peaceful and quiet and somehow reverential--is for me very comforting. And the thought of Alex and his little family opening their presents together, with the lights shining in Helen's very blue eyes, of a grateful Steven gathered with his all now healthy loved ones around him, of Alexa, Brandon and her three with Furbies and Barbies and Playstations, of Freddy patiently teaching his parents to use the computer he so sweetly gave them, although he says he won't tell them about SI, of Averill off to her son's with the inevitable champagne, of MichaelC and his soon to be larger family, and DScottD in his new home, of jp in her valley, and Melinda and Holly on the West Coast, Diane on the East, Ish with his horses and cats, Michael defiantly and joyously soaring down mountains, my dear Thomas listening to the great classical composer Beethoven in his smoking jacket in the study with his brandy (you will never convince me otherwise), the thought all of you gives me great joy and comfort. You are such good and caring and wonderful people who seem to understand the wonderful small daily gifts life leaves for us and who delight in sharing them with each other.
For the gift of your humor and love and courage, I am so very grateful and hope that whatever we are doing this special season, we will find ourselves all back here in the New Year together again.
Love,
penni |
