Thinking of the holidays, that warm snugly feeling of everything good, invades the mind and body, allowing those special memories and moments to flow from the heart, if only for just the few weeks during the holiday season. Once the days pass, these vivid moments retreat back for their long sleep, waiting to burst forth in time for the next season. It is those little things that keep us united as family and friends, and yes, help us keep our sanity during the holiday rush.
Although this year, has been jolted a bit because of Mr. Bill's illness, it has given us a time to re-think. We love the hustle and bustle, the sights, sounds and aromas but suddenly without warning it is simply the most poignant and even trivial moments, that mean the most. Yes, we've talked of Fred's News and friends, how it has affected ours and our childrens' lives. Some stories outrageous, some heartwarming, some need to stay put in "the backroom" or in Mr. Bill's words "that memory is much like the "red-headed step child"...yuk" Not fair Mr. Bill, I love red hair. On that note...I am truly amazed at the redheaded young children I see daily. Yes, my visitors are from all over the world, but these fresh-faced young children, with the numerous shades of red hair still truly fascinate me.
Recently, a young child, fascinated with the holiday decorations, wanting to touch everything, smiling and laughing, suddenly his face turned rigid. I turned as he ran for his Dad, wanting comfort. Dad, laughed, trying to soothe the child, assuring him Mickey Mouse dressed as Santa was truly a friend. However, the young boy believed otherwise. ..yet his fascination for the character was genuine. As I walked up to Santa Mickey, a high-five first, then a kiss on the cheek, the young child's death grip on his Dad, loosened. Although, Santa Mickey and the young boy never made contact, a goodbye wave suggested perhaps a change of heart. Later that evening Dad offered an explanation, his child, loved Mickey Mouse but was petrified of any character with a face mask....It did not have to be Disney, just any character, Smokey the Bear, Big Bird and so on. Ah yes, I know a young person, Mrs. G's grand daughter, Jordan felt much the same way. "Ain't no way, I am going to talk to them or shake their hand" Jordan adamantly would say. One holiday season, the girls, Jordan and Taylor performed in the "Nutcracker". Other students from their dance studio performing as well. Jordan knew all the fellow dancers and the parts they played. Yet, one was dressed as a mouse, which required the big face mask over the head. Jordan, could be seen backstage speaking with her friend dressed as the mouse, minus the head gear. Soon Jordan arrived at our side looking slightly disturbed....her friend was now a "complete" mouse, Jordan was now completely gone from her side. Amazing those little memories, how they stick with us...one opening the door, allowing others to enter..
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