A Time For Reflection. . .
Being an "early riser" possibly began in my childhood. My dad worked at the Fairfax Plant for General Motors in Kansas City during my youth. Many are the mornings I would hear the coffee percolator 'perking' his coffee. If I waited quietly in bed, listening carefully, I could hear him pour coffee into his thermos. Then ever so quietly down the hall I'd slip past my parents bedroom where my mother lie sleeping, and whisper softly, "I love you daddy." at the kitchen doorway. He'd turn, smile and await his pajamaed kiss ~ then off to work in his uniform grays or blues. I'd watch him close the door ~ black metal lunch pail in one hand, green Stanley thermos in the other. . .car keys dangling. . .then he was gone.
As a teenager,I slept in an upstairs bedroom in our small rural town where we had moved to be closer to my beloved, aging grandmother. Same scenario. I'd always bring a textbook down the stairs and stay up to study. Mother, upon rising, would usually find me reading and note taking by the dim kitchen light and would wryly smile.
As the wife of a military career man, again, same scenario. If I didn't have those 'stolen moments' in the morning ~ too many times ~ I may not see "Mr. Ed" until long after the children were asleep.
This morning, it is to give thanks that all the preparation leading up to the holiday is complete. I, now, can sit here and let the true meaning of Christ birth flood over my soul and fill me with His love. His peace consuming the innermost of my core and let His joy flow outwardly to those around me.
Dear ones, may God richly and abundantly bless you with His goodness at Christmas and in the New Year. As the plate on my coffee table states. . .
God Bless Us Everyone!
Charles Dickens
Until next time. . .
G'morning, Pat,
ReplyDeleteYour sweet, gentle spirit just jumped out at me with this beautiful post.:)
Pat at BackPorch Musings or Yvonne at Stone Gable could use GREASE CANS in their decor and they would look AWESOME. Those ladies....they are so good at what they do. :))
Mr. Sweet makes handmade knives and uses the antlers as polished handles. Very pretty...but the antlers "in the rough" aren't pretty to me. As you suggest, I will give them another try, tho, maybe in a more rustic setting. :))
Merry Christmas.
I loved your story. Those peaceful morning times are treasures. It's as if the chaos has not yet taken hold. Be blessed. Merry Christmas
ReplyDeleteYou've captured some wonderful sentiments (I have similar recollections of my dad).
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing and I hope you have a warm and wonderful Christmas!!
You just gave me the most wonderful gift, the gift of a memory. I was and am an early riser too,and I have a similar story. This post made me happy in my heart.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love the tablescape too!
What a beautiful, touching post! My daughter does that now with her dad. She's 5 and doesn't want to lose a second that she could be spending with him! Thank you for sharing and you've set a precious table!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
~Holly
So sweet. We are early risers but also early to bedders. If that is a word. I enjoyed visiting with you today. merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post. I thank you because it jogged some lovely memories of my own. I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteCareyAnn
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I love your post! I am a military wife. I have started waking with my husband and having coffee (sometimes shoveling the driveway) with him in the morning. Thank you and your family for your service. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThat had to be Folger's coffee in your Dad's thermos, right? Do you remember being able to smell the coffee for miles around from the Folger's factory downtown on 8th(?) and Broadway? It wasn't real far from the Fairfax plant. It will be gone soon...scheduled to close in the summer of 2012. That is a great part of Kansas City history. I'm glad to see you have so many wonderful childhood memories of your family and life at your house. It's wonderful when adults have fond memories of their childhood, especially this time of year when they can share those memories with friends (even blogger friends!) and loved ones. Have a very Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHi Pat! It is so nice to have a few moments to yourself to start teh day, isn't it? I love the pic of Maurice checking out teh tree...so cute! Wishing a wonderful Christmas filled with peace, joy and love to you and your family!...hugs...Debbie
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful sweet memories you shared! I hope you & your family have a peace filled Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI love the photos of your family and pets..the one of you and Roscoe is sooo cute.
ReplyDeleteI am resting today...tomorrow, the tree comes down, it and decorations packed away, waiting for another Christmas next year. :) At my age, I sure am thankful for each Christmas that I have here on earth.:) Heck...I'm grateful for each DAY I have. :))
hugs, bj
Hello Pat...
ReplyDeleteSweet friend, I just read your note and came right over! Thank you so much for coming by...you always brighten my days with your visits and sweet notes! I sooo enjoyed this lovely post! It seems that Christmas always urges the precious memories of years gone by! How very touching...I bet your daddy carried those memories of your early risings to greet him...with such love! Well my dear friend, I am an early riser myself...but I must admit that it takes more and more coffee...and blog reading...to get my day started! Hehe!
I hope that you had a wonderful and blessed Christmas! May your New Year be filled with God's all consuming love and joy!!!
Love ya, sweet friend!
Chari @Happy To Design
Hi Pat! Just stopping back by for another peek at your pretty Maurice! The staff sends her New Years greetings!...hugs...Debbie
ReplyDeleteI love that in the years of early rising, you gave precious gifts to your father and your husband...and you received a life-long gift of priceless memories...a valuable touchstone as your journey progresses. Thank you for sharing. Happy New Year! Cherry Kay
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