Monday, December 24, 2012

Good morning!

White Christmas?  Maybe, think not………………but as long as we are content, with loved ones and loved – that’s all that matters.

I want to share a story told to me by our daughter-in-law Sally about the Mennonite based Gingrich part of her family.  At least twice a year they host family gatherings, once at an outdoor facility in the summer and once around Christmas.  Being very community minded, family oriented, inspirational and religious,  you can imagine how they are arranged (and the variety and quality of food they bring). 

From what I can recall (it is 4 am), after food is  served at lunch time, they have tables set up where they play board games, rotating the children from table to table to learn and interact with the ‘elders’,  as well as other activities, i.e. learn how to quilt/tie quilts, etc. etc. etc.    Apparently this group  have assembled and tied 30 comforters/quilts since the last get-together to send to Somalia.  

The end and highlight of the day was when the 92 year old Matriarch of the group stood up and gave a talk, straight from her heart.   She asked the men in the group to write a letter to their wives, expressing their appreciation for their contribution to the marriage, as a mother, wife and telling them all the positive and wonderful attributes they see in them.   Some people have difficulty saying how they feel but are able to write it down.

She then asked the women to do the same.

 The reason for this request was because 31 years ago her husband wrote her a letter expressing his sentiments.  He was 63 at the time – a hard working Mennonite farmer – imagine…………..just imagine what that letter meant to her.   I know there were many children raised in the family (remember, its 4 am and I can’t recall all the details), living on a farm where there is ALWAYS work to do, and running a quilting business on her own, piecing tops for quilts and sourcing work out to 30 women to quilt and finish them – again, can you imagine what that letter meant to her. 

For obvious reasons, she asked someone to read it to the group for her. I can't see a dry eye in the room.

She is quite an incredible woman, still very active, living in a retirement facility and still quilts!  She has raised an amazing family and is such an inspiration to everyone around her.  I was thinking next year I would sneak in as Sally’s adopted sister and feel the love that must be in that room…….thanks for that heartwarming beautiful story Sally. 

We did have a problem here at the house today.  The old gal Munching Myrtle suffered an overdose!  Yes, an overdose!  After the successful day yesterday of reaching my goals of fiber and protein grams, and the reward of ice cream and goodies, she pigged out again in the afternoon after a new batch of goodies arrived.  Oh my goodness……………so good……………..had to try each and everyone. 

With full stomach, glazed eyes, unable to move, we reapplied the duct tape and shoved her back in the closet.  The next time she’s allowed anything will be a healthy muffin along with breakfast of plain Greek Style Yogurt, variety of fruit, whey protein, Stevia mixed up in a Smoothie for breakfast.

After rest, she felt a little better – that was a close one!

Watch for Santa tonight.  Come to think of it - he might be related to the Old Gal Myrtle - look at his tummy..............................he's been in the sweets too!

Have a great day – I intend to do so.