The Memory Tree

 Every year when I decorate the tree, it's a trip down memory lane. When the boys lived at home, we would have a family tree-decorating party, and Ward and the boys would politely listen as I told the stories behind the various ornaments. But they weren't really interested. For the past few years, I have decorated the tree by myself. Ward puts up the outside lights, and I put up the tree. It's not a Hallmark moment, but that's okay.

Last weekend, Wally was visiting, and I was showing him some of the ornaments on the tree and having him find ones he remembered.  Then, we told our stories about them. During our conversation, I called our Christmas tree a memory tree.

And for whatever reason, that really struck a chord with Wally, and he was quite moved. He said that the tree represents your life, and it is beautiful. And I guess I knew that, but never thought of it in quite that way.

The tree does represent our life. There are ornaments that Ward and I remember seeing on our grandmother's trees. There are ornaments from our childhood. There are ornaments that decorated our car after our wedding. There are ornaments made by school friends. There are ornaments made by co-workers, friends, and neighbors. There are ornaments from every place we have lived. There are ornaments made by sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and aunts. There are ornaments from around the world that family and friends have brought us from their travels. There are ornaments that we put on just for the cats. And of course, there are ornaments Wally and Theo made when they were little.

As I think about each and every decoration on the tree, I know that I have had a good life with many blessings, and I look forward to the new memories we will add to the tree this year and in the future.

Until next time...