Christmas

After the Christmas Eve service at First Baptist Church, Jefferson, Georgia, Abby and I drove down to my parent's house for Christmas. (For thoughts on the Christmas Eve service see http://musicmusings-rsd.blogspot.com/2008/12/sharing-light.html.)

The next day, Christmas Day, when I got up I dressed for the day. It had been indicated that we didn't need to be late in arriving at my sister's house as we were at Thanksgiving, so I was going to be ready. We did take some time to open our gifts to each other.

I was ready, but we were still later than planned, although still in plenty of time for the meal. In fact, my brother-in-law had yet to put the turkey in to fry when we arrived.

All of the family was there. Actually, I qualify this by saying that Donna was the only one who was not there. Of course, the Trussell's might have added Betty and Everett to that list of those not gathered for the celebration.

The food was very good. Carol (and Kenny) did an excellent job with the food preparation. Then there were gifts to open. Most were exchanges between the Trussell's - parents and children, but there were a few exchanges between them, me, and my parents.

Then there was the afternoon together and then the food was uncovered for a second round of eating, which we did in stages. Then, some started to play a game that had been received for Christmas. Then, it was time for the goodnights and goodbyes.

It was good to see the family gathered: Melissa, of course, came from Atlanta; Joy and Andrew had come from Ft. Worth, Texas (they had arrived earlier to celebrate birthdays and their 1st Anniversary with Kenny and Carol and with his parents); and April and Tim had come in from Boston, Massachusetts.

Joy and Andrew left the next day. They had to return, I believe for a job interview. The rest of us were able to gather Friday evening for another meal at a local restaurant.

It was good to see you all.

Since Donna and I did not regularly spend Christmas with my folks, there were not so many memories, other than last year when we were all there, but sick.

I was able to share some of Donna's nice purses with the ladies of the family and that was good. Me, I got a robe, lounging pants and a shirt, cashews, candy, pants, a tie, a donation with thoughts of Donna and I, and a toaster oven.

Thanks all! God's blessings on each in your endeavors this coming year!

Richard/Uncle Richard

Her Birthday

For weeks I had contemplated the observance of Donna's birthday. What could I do that would both help me through the day and, at the same time, give proper celebration to her life?

Someone suggested taking the largest picture that I had of her and sitting with it before me as I thought about her. Immediately I thought...NOT!

One thing that she did enjoy on her special days (birthday and anniversary) was going out to eat. This year, as for several years, the Versaille at Chateau Elan was not a practical solution.

So the obvious was sushi. She loved sushi and anytime was a good occasion for it.

I issued the invitation to those who would like to join me in a celebration of Donna's life to meet me at RuSans in Athens, Georgia. Of course, December 18 was a Thursday, making it difficult for some. Others had there own celebrations: birthday and Christmas parties already scheduled. Some just don't care for sushi or Japanese cuisine. But, we assembled, all who could and all who would. The size of the party was actually just a perfect size for a celebration of this type.

Thank you to Charles and Allie, Charles and Gwen, and Claire for making the day special. May God's light graciously shine on you for your kindness. And, the fact, that you enjoyed the food was a great benefit.

Thanks and blessings,
Richard