My grandmother’s dishes still adorn the holiday table, though her presence has been missing for over a decade. I again felt the familiar tug of longing to hear her voice just one more time as I filled her rose-painted bowls. Holiday gatherings are bittersweet.
Gatherings with cousins, aunts, and uncles on my mother’s side ceased when my grandparents could no longer host. All my aunts have passed away now, and the extended family is scattered across the country. My husband’s mother passed away before we married, and a fourteen-hour drive divides me from my mom, sister, and nephews. I am happy for those who must gather three or four times to connect with all sides of the family, but our little family is blessed to create its own memories together now. I recognize my role as the family matriarch, pouring life into my children’s traditions that they may someday pass down to their children. People may pass on, but the memory of their love is ever-present in those who carry on without them.
What makes these memories so strong? It is the care and attention lavished on those who gather around their table. It is the favorite dishes gracing the table year after year. It is the phone calls, letters, and visits between holidays. It is the sacrifices made to meet the physical and emotional needs of those they love. It is time set aside to listen to hopes and dreams and the cares of this life. It is a continuation of outreach even when the love and care are not returned, especially in the angst of the teen years. Love is wrapped up in the selflessness of all these things.
Having someone think about you personally is precious. Having someone who knows all your flaws and yet still enjoys your company is a rare commodity. It is easy to take for granted such a valuable gift until it is gone. But the dishes that grace the table year after year declare a richness that money could not have afforded. If you have this kind of love gathering around your table, you are blessed beyond measure. I pray that the tradition continues with you.
Have a blessed weekend, my friends.
Erica B.
His Song in the Night 
It can be sad how holidays change as life continues. I remember the large family gatherings of when my grandparents were alive – so much food and talking and LOVE! lol It is much smaller now, but we still have those three things with love being the most important, of course. I find it my responsibility as the matriarch to continue traditions or change/introduce new ones but to ultimately make Jesus the center of the holiday.
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I love that your goal is to make Jesus the center of your holiday! That is a great priority!
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