“Christmas is a box of tree ornmaments that have become part of the family.”

Charles M. Schultz

In our family, this is so true. Our boxes of ornaments have become family members with their own story to tell. In addition to the hand-made ornaments, the ornaments that have been passed down, and those given as gifts, we have also purchased an ornament from the different places we have visited. There is the angel ornament from our honeymoon crafted from an indigenous Hawaiian plant to the most recent gondola ornament we purchased on our ski trip to Keystone, CO.. They hold memories and help us retell them.

A few of our special ornaments are from Kathy and Dave. They are mecury glass ornaments that they chose for us after significant moments in our lives: a cigar when Matthew was born, an Irish flag after our trip to Ireland, and a bottle of Chianti after our trip to Italy. We know that the Trimbles have a beautiful tree in their living room decorated with a mercury glass oranment Cal and Liz have chosen to represent themselves every year. These ornaments are their stories that will become part of their families.

So, it was not surprising to me when Dave wrote an email saying that he would send scallop shells because he thought they would make great Christmas tree ornaments to help remember my journey. I know Dave is very sentimental and values objects of the past that tell a story and keep our family histories alive. Dave, you have helped me appeciate the value of the family heirlooms I have, the memory of the people they stand for, and the stories they tell. These stories are everything to Matthew and Charlie. They remind them of their family, past and present. What could be more meaningful and lasting?

Dave, your love of history and story inspired me to share mine. I am so grateful that you suggested this blog. I love to write. Maybe you knew that already. Your request to consider capturing my Way has led to so much more. When your Grandma Jane was alive, she would send Matthew a Christmas ornament every year. You learned from the best! I will carry one of the ornaments from her and hope you will find a special place for it on your tree each year. Jane, Eileen, Nancy, and your Mom were all incredible women who deserve their own branch.

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Note: Cal has also sent a small scallop shell with the words “Cal Runs” on it. I will post it on her page.

Note: I needed to post two blogs today to keep up! Please make sure you read “Anything Is Possible” next!

Note: I don’t know who took the photo on the above left.