Tuesday, December 23, 2008

on this day in history...

For most people, December 23rd is not a memorable day...and it usually gets lost in the festivities surrounding Christmas. But to me, that date brings special memories. I was one of five sisters...until December 23, 1965...when a brother arrived on the scene. I remember the day well...we helped mom bake Christmas cookies...and bustled about getting ready for Christmas. Winter came early that year...and my brother arrived ahead of schedule as well! We hadn't asked for a brother...but God knew we needed one.

 

We had a lot of fun with our own little Prince William...and spoiled him thoroughly.


In 1983 he chose to spend his birthday (and Christmas) in south Texas with his oldest sister...rather than coming home to Canada. Several years later, he moved to Iowa...so we've missed out on the birthday celebrations since that time. Some things have not changed over the years...he still has the same Mustang...and I'm wondering if he still wears the argyle sweater (it would be right in style this season). Sorry we can't join you for a piece of cake, Bill...but the card is in the mail! We wish you a very happy birthday...and look forward to seeing you in the new year. And in my husband's family, he was the youngest child...a son in a family of girls. He was the one who was quite spoiled by his older sisters...and one of those sisters also celebrated her birthday on December 23rd.

  Pictured above with 'der Weihnachtsmann' are my dear sister-in-laws...Martha on the left, and Anne on the right. Anne's birthday had a way of being lost in the Christmas festivities...but I well remember a trip to Kelowna about 10 years ago to help her ring in a big one. Now we are left with only memories...since she passed away quite unexpectedly nearly five years ago. Her bubbly personality, her eternal optimism, her generosity, her love for children and her unwavering faith will always be remembered.

Also on this day...December 23rd, 2000...we laid to rest my mother-in-law. She was a treasure...a wonderful mother and grandmother to our family...and a great example of how to live life.

December 23rd...a date to be remembered!

Have a good one...

12 comments:

  1. Judy....thanks for the very personal history lesson. A special day to remember today...for many reasons. What a great shot of the two girls on 'Klaus's'knee.

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  2. it indeed is a special day to remember. your brother is one cutie pie.
    the legacy of those two special women live on and in all of you.
    thankyou for sharing your memories with us.

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  3. These milestones return annually and it's so good to ponder and reflect on them. And Oh, do we wish that they were closer....

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  4. I wonder if tucking in shirts will come back? That's about the main thing that makes it an old picture.
    Love the "Weihnachtsman" picture!

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  5. A day to celebrate for certain. Wonderful tributes, Judy. What in the world is your brother doing in Iowa? (My new bil is from Iowa.)

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  6. Oh, I brought my rosemary plant in back in September. It's been living very happily by the bay window since.

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  7. Bless your heart, what a wonderful memory to share with us. Thank you.

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  8. Happy Birthday Bill!! I hope you get a special gift and that it's not lumped in with Christmas.

    I was awake at night, thinking of our precious mom -- all the great things she did and was. But especially remembering the time she fell and could not get up, finally she pulled herself to a phone. Judy your family was alway there for her. We continue to bless you for that.

    Anne was such an awesome Sis. But she needed to leave us for her heavenly home. Thanks for remembering.
    Martha

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  9. Thank you for sharing the pictures and stories of your family. This is certainly a day with many memories for you and your family.

    Christmas blessings,
    Wanita

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  10. 23rd is certainly a date to remember for youJudy.
    Have a great Christmas.

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  11. Judy, this is such a heartfelt tribute to your loved ones. My mother's youngest sister died twenty-three years ago today. We all miss her so much.

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  12. Merry Christmas! Love the old photos.

    Di
    The Blue Ridge Gal

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