Circle of Two

A Circle of Two

Right before Christmas, Sandra and visited our parents and grandparents so we could all celebrate together. Sandra and I began dating when I was 16 and she was 15. Since then, we have spent 51 Christmases together. When we were in our early 20's, our holiday table numbered from 12 to 20, depending upon whether my uncle's and their families could attend. Now, as the years passed by, too quickly,  our holiday table is "A Circle of Two."

My father is buried with his brother (Jack), my grandparents Jules and Helen Lambiotte and my great grandparents Edmund and Pearl  Brasseur. I was blessed to  remember them all very well.

My mother is buried with my grandparents Ancel and Ethel Minnear and my great grandparents Jess and Dicie Gray. My great grandmother Dicie died the year before I was born.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sandra's mother and father, Lester and Louise Ogden, are  buried with her grandparents Robert and Maggie Ogden and Lester's sister Thelma. I never knew Robert, Maggie, or Thelma, but the stories shared have made them come to life.

Yes, not having them with us makes me sad. So very sad at times. But, we are so blessed to have the memories. Better to have sad memories than no memories. Every Christmas I cry tears of joy. Yet, when I look around our table, a table Sandra sets so beautifully, with such thought and love, I still see their faces. Hear their voices. And I thank God for such a wonderful life.  Today, we have such a beautiful "Circle of Two." A  circle made strong  with love and laughter.

Until next time,

Michael