Except for one visit to snowbound Davis Hill at the age of seven months, I spent most of my first five years in climes that ranged between too warm and scorching. Not until the end of those five years did my father send my mother and me north, to test whether we could survive a winter in the harsh climate where he grew up. Coming from the 100-degree heat of Key West to the 20-below-zero winters in South Conway initiated my lifelong aversion to extremes of temperature.
Even in grammar school (where grammar was actually taught), I remember puzzling over the glee of schoolmates thrilled by the illusion of pristine beauty after the first veneer of snow covered up all the neglected chores and abandoned household detritus. In most years, the first snow usually stayed, and it seemed all the more depressing when it came before Thanksgiving. That assured five full months of difficult walking and dangerous driving, and of coming home from school wet and cold — especially when our station-wagon school bus couldn't make the hill. With only one passive-conduction furnace grate to sit on in the entire house, drying one's snow-encrusted wool pants and frozen mittens was a long and uncomfortable process.
As I approach my 70th year on the planet, I have come to realize the only thing that really matters is the time we get to spend with family. Time spent together is the true gift. Dinners around the family table, outdoor excursions like camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, skiing.
Some days, we might sit in the living room in front of the fireplace to regale our day's adventures, maybe play a card game, or just sit around and talk about anything. Of course, the adults will have the proper beverage or two to help lubricate the flow of conversation.
I was once told that our immortality is experienced in the memories of those we leave behind. I believe this to be true, as my elders have passed on, my memories become more vivid and cherished. I can only hope that the same will be said of me as my children and grandchildren reminisce with fondness about the adventures that eventually become family lore, complete with all the exaggerations and flourishes.
There is nothing I have experienced that fills my heart more than having all my children and grandchildren together at one time, building memories. That is a true gift and a blessing.
Remember that this Christmas season, and don’t let trivial differences get in the way or interfere with family time. Yes, in the grand scheme of things, you’ll eventually find those differences weren’t worth the wasted time.
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As I approach my 70th year on the planet, I have come to realize the only thing that really matters is the time we get to spend with family. Time spent together is the true gift. Dinners around the family table, outdoor excursions like camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, skiing.
Some days, we might sit in the living room in front of the fireplace to regale our day's adventures, maybe play a card game, or just sit around and talk about anything. Of course, the adults will have the proper beverage or two to help lubricate the flow of conversation.
I was once told that our immortality is experienced in the memories of those we leave behind. I believe this to be true, as my elders have passed on, my memories become more vivid and cherished. I can only hope that the same will be said of me as my children and grandchildren reminisce with fondness about the adventures that eventually become family lore, complete with all the exaggerations and flourishes.
There is nothing I have experienced that fills my heart more than having all my children and grandchildren together at one time, building memories. That is a true gift and a blessing.
Remember that this Christmas season, and don’t let trivial differences get in the way or interfere with family time. Yes, in the grand scheme of things, you’ll eventually find those differences weren’t worth the wasted time.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.