My mother-in-law Mabel used to speak often of how she would be remembered after she passed. I can attest to the fact that she succeeded in her legacy...the memory her grandkids and kids cherish of her loving and luscious cooking and baked goods. When I ponder my own legacy, I stumble over possibilities, none of which seem to take hold.
Having stepped bravely into my seventies, and coincidentally surgery and pain like I have never known, I wondered at how much capacity I would have for any such legacy making. Well, this morning it came to me that love and surprises will have to do,,,for they are my strengths!
I have had the opportunity in both health and wealth to deliver two real surprises this past autumn into winter season. It was so much fun to contemplate and complete both visits to grandchildren far away! The first opportunity was to surprise Chloe on her fourth birthday in Jersey City. We traveled down on a Saturday morning arriving in time for the two o'clock start of her party. There was our little princess in full party attire with a look of confusion and joy on her face. Of course, we could not compete with the passel of party pals present in that happy kitchen. No matter...we mingled with Marcel and Laurie's delightful friends and Laurie's sister Caro. There was cake, wine, good hearty sandwich fare and an atmosphere sprinkled with childish banter, adult chortles and the occasional tantrum. All was well in that little apartment and the love was larger than life! The following day reminded us of why we cherish that tiny family in such a big way! Hours spent together bring immeasurable joy!
This past Wednesday we ventured by plane to Washington DC, for an evening concert featuring (for us) twelve year old Hugo. What a thrill to sit in the beautiful and stately auditorium of Hardy Middle School and marvel at the real music coming from that capable body! The orchestra played selections from the Nutcracker, and that sweet boy accompanied bravely and confidently from behind the bulk of his Double Bass! The strains of pride in my heart echoed those feelings I experienced as a mom of musicians so long ago! The twenty four plus hours we spent with Jacques' family were warmed by the comfortable Christmas atmosphere of their apartment and surrounds. The icing on the Christmas Cookie was a stroll with Lu and Liz by the delightfully decorated windows of several Georgetown shops and a lovely Christmas Market. Children truly do learn to savor and wonder at their world when encouraged by the glee their parents exhibit. Bursts of beauty are everywhere in this little child's world!
On this frosty December morning, back home and surrounded by my own Christmas clutter, I pause to take down these reflections. Surprising myself, I am at peace with the multitude of gifting tasks that await! Christmas will come, what will be done will be done. It is the memory making and the merry making seasoned with love that will matter most.
Unfinished business and projects will be swept into drawers and closets, awaiting the day they I rediscover them. I am making space for surprise and what love I may extend and receive this Christmas season. Let that be my legacy.
