Letter: Make some memories
Make some memories
To the Editor:
Christmas season always reminds me of those good days as a kid growing up in Marion. Like many families living in that post-war time in the early '50s, my family was beginning to experience the upswing in luxury items in our home: television, more "store-bought" clothes, and more Christmas gifts under the tree on Christmas morning.
My older brothers, Chuck and Bing, were both overseas during those years. Fritz, Carolyn, Warren, and Don were well into their lives as successful professionals. Christmas always brought those mysterious, sometimes huge parcels from those far away places which were home for brothers and sister and their families. Being the youngest brother of six much older siblings wasn't a bad deal on Christmas morning! It's too bad I didn't take better care of all those toys. Some were collectors' items I am sure.
I also remember the Christmas programs at school and at church. I was a pretty shy kid, especially when it came to standing in front of a crowd of people to say a part in a Christmas pageant. I can remember the immense feeling of relief when the last program was behind me and I could concentrate on Christmas morning. I still get that feeling these days when my busy pre-Christmas schedule finally gets lived out and I can concentrate on the wonders of that morning as grandkids, now, open Santa's bountiful leavings.
I know not everyone who reads this is as blessed with good memories as I may be. The truth for all of us is that the times, people, events which have place in our remembering are mostly no longer here. Change has most certainly ended much of what had power for any of us in those days long ago. In this time it is our responsibility to make new traditions for those who follow us. We need to remember we are making those good memories which will be reported in some distant time ahead by those we love. So, make some good memories this year! Have a wonderful holiday.
Jan Hayen
Parsons
