C by the Sea

My mother was born on September 26, 1916 and today would have been her 95th birthday. She has been gone for over 13 years now. Like many mothers and daughters, we had our ups and downs, but I always knew that she loved me and I hope she knew that I loved her. I regret that I didn't try harder to understand what life was like for her and wasn't more understanding of all the hard times she went through. I'm smarter now and see things more clearly. I miss you and love you, Mom. Happy Birthday! (This picture of my mother with my brothers and me was taken on Oneck Lane in WHB, mid 50s.)

Toyko, Japan circa 1953

This was taken when my father was stationed in Japan with the Air Force. (I'm sure he took the picture. He was a great photographer and loved to take pictures). Don't my brothers (Jimmy is the little one, about 2 years old and Jay is the one with the guns and holster, about 3 years old) and I (about 5 years old) look like we came right out of the movie "A Christmas Story"? And, look at my mother. She's out in the snow in a dress! And, she's wearing her everyday makeup and jewelry. Times sure have changed, haven't they? 

A glimpse of a Christmas past

Christmas 1960. This was the year we lived in Greensboro, North Carolina. I was 12 years old -- the age of my granddaughter, Leah.  We were pretty cool to have the latest in Christmas trees that year -- an aluminum tree. You couldn't put regular lights on the tree, so there was a spotlight that sat on the floor to shine on the tree. The spotlight had a revolving plastic disc over it that was divided into quarters. Each quarter was a different color -- red, yellow, blue and green -- so the tree changed color as the disc revolved. Quite pretty -- but the following year we went back to the traditional evergreen tree with the big lights. But, either way, my childhood memories of Christmas are of a wonderful time filled with excitement and love. And that is my wish for you. A Christmas filled with excitement and love, family and friends and the making of many warm and wonderful memories. But, most importantly, a Christmas where the realization of the miracle of Jesus' birth dwells within your heart both on this day and joyously throughout the year. God bless us, everyone.