My first memory of Christmas with my Grandma and Grandpa Delk was when I was about 8 years old. Not that I don’t remember before then, I do… But “this” was the first to stand out in my mind. It was special…
(From the age of 3 I had a speech at church I had to recite for the church Christmas Program and all ways had to repeat it at the family Christmas gathering as well…)
It was at Grandma’s house and we were all in the Living Room . There was a cedar tree decorated with large colored lights, some ornaments and silvery garland and lots and lots of silver colored ice sickles. It was beautiful and smelled heavenly.
All of the family was gathered there. We had enjoyed a wonderful meal of chicken pie and all the vegetables plus pies and cakes. Mostly made by Grandma.
After the meal we all sat down for the reading of the Christmas Story and Prayer. Then the opening of the presents.
This year it was a bit different. I could read (some) and it was going to be my place to read the story out of the Bible about Jesus’ birth. I remember the grown ups having trouble remembering “where” the story was located in the Bible. Mark no Matthew NO LUKE!
So my uncle Henry and his wife my aunt Barbara their 2 boys Jr. and David, uncle Dempsey and my aunt Anna and their sons William and Frank, uncle Richard (not married yet) Momma and my Daddy “Alton” , and my Grandma and Grandpa Delk. All sat down and I was so scared…This was a big deal and lots of words I did not know! But with my aunt Barbara’s help I got through it . I could have done better I know but I did as good as I could. (As the years went on I got better) It was my job to read it for many many years. I got so i did not need to read it I remembered all 22 verses, still do, smile! I miss that part most of all I think.
After the reading my Grandpa asked my Grandma to lead us all in The Lord’s Prayer.
Latter in years my Grandma and Grandpa would talk about what they were thankful for.
This all took place on Christmas Eve. All Ways!
As I think back and I remember through the years being at church and older folk would get up and with tears in their eyes, talk about their childhood and their parents and what they had meant to them … Oh my . Now I know . Now I understand what they were trying to say. And most of all what they were feeling…It is not possible to put into words.
I firmly believe that We should live every moment to the fullest, Enjoy it heartily, and love in it deeply. No matter where we are in life!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!!
