Remembering Family at Christmas

I had a full day of baking yesterday, and while I was sneaking a chocolate chip or two and listening to Christmas tunes I guess the tastes and smells of Christmas got me to thinking about family no longer with us and times past. The good thing is it didn't make me sad, it made me glad, thinking of the wonderful people and places that shaped my life and got me to where I am today. With Dad's help I got a few pictures, and I thought I'd put just a word or two about what these folks meant to me. These same people are probably your family if you are reading my blog, but if they aren't, I hope you'll take a minute to think of your loved ones today amid the rush of Christmas.

First, a word about the music - bluegrass is the sound of my childhood. My Grandpa Asher, Uncle Wayne and Uncle Ralph particularly are the source of a lot of the music in my memories. All of them played, sang, and/or enjoyed bluegrass. My Mom says that she remembers listening to the Opry on the radio, so I'd venture to bet that her Dad loved it too. Although I never knew him, I always loved him.

A few words about the beautiful people in the pictures (and some who I had no pictures of):

My Uncle Wayne - the Santa picture really captured him - he had a glint in his eye and a smile on his face. He was always joking, and loved his kids (including my Cousin Kevin, who has also passed away) as much as any person I have ever known. He loved me too, which was a blessing for me. Oh yes, he loved UK basketball! My cousin Kevin - I have to admit that I was jealous of his Star Wars toy collection :-) He had the most beautiful blue eyes you'd ever see.

The Hites, what a great family to join! Today I am remembering Steven's cousin Ritchie who was a joy to know (I remember his jokes at camp), and his Uncle Kippy (famous for his egg nog). I've heard so much about his Grandpa and Grandma that I feel I know them, and I can't tell you how much they meant to Steven.

Steven's Mom Joyce - what can I say about her? She was one of the smartest women I've ever known, and she could be fierce when it came to protecting her family. She was funny and interesting, and could tell a sharp one liner with the best of them. She certainly could tell the truth at times too!!

My Uncle Ralph was proud and strong. He lived a hard life, but always had a joke to tell and a song to play. Sometimes he could hurt you when his words cut too close to the truth, but loved his family above all things and would, and did, defend it to the end.

Steven's Grandmother and Granddaddy, R.K. and Ester, taught me about married life - married 60 years, they had a love as strong as any as I have ever experienced. I have never heard a bad word said about either one of them by anyone how knew them. Ester could bake and sew so well she could have had a T.V. show about either of those things. R.K. played music, and influenced Steven so now Steven is learning guitar.

My Grandpa Asher. What can I possibly say about him? There are three men who have shaped my life more than almost anyone else, my Grandpa, my Dad, and Steven. My Grandpa was strong and brave, funny and opinionated, beautiful and sweet, could tell a tall tale like no other, and could play the guitar like an Angel. I have to simply say that heaven is a more beautiful place because he is in it.

My Grandpa Baker I never knew, but I am blessed to have his beautiful family as my own, and have heard many stories about how hard he worked and how much he loved his animals and family.

Thanks for taking a moment to read about my memories. I am sure all of you think about family members who are gone at Christmastime too. Enjoy a memory and smile about it, I sure did!