From sweet and smooth classics, to new names, to old names with new music...the focus here, is to shine a little light on some damn fine music.

I'll find it. You can listen, review, or tell me I wouldn't know good music if it kicked me in the ass. I personally don't give a shit.

Monday, December 24, 2012

The Toothpick Leg and the Empty Chair

When I lived at home, I put up the Christmas tree and the Nativity set. My mother did the wreaths and assorted decorating and my dad hung up the bell that played "Silent Night." My brother, well he showed up for dinner.

After I moved out, my decorating duties were handled by my father. Way more meticulous with the tree lights and placement of the balls than I, well my Dad was very detailed oriented, let's just say that.

Now my parents Nativity set is quite old, they had been married for 63 years during the last Christmas season and I think it might have been a second hand set when they bought it. As such, some of the pieces have been replaced or...fixed. For example, if you look closely at the picture of the lambs, you might notice one of them has a toothpick where his leg should be. Apparently, there was a field amputation and the leg was replaced with an ill-fitting prosthesis. It ain't pretty, but after all these years, that sheep is still standing. My Dad and I had a mini tradition concerning the Nativity arrangement. He would always place the cow and donkey outside of the manger. And every year I would come over and explain to him that I thought they should be inside to help keep the baby Jesus warm. It was a silly exchange which both of us knew would take place, and one that I missed very much this year, as I regained my old job of tree decorator and Nativity arranger.

Tonight we will again gather at my parent's home, though the dynamic of the family is no longer the same. My Mom was determined to have this last Christmas Eve dinner in honor of my Dad. It was the one night of the year where he smiled from early in the day until the very last goodbye. He loved Christmas Eve. Tonight is the first time since his funeral that the entire family will be together. While we are all looking forward to seeing each other, we are all painfully aware of the empty chair. The one at the head of the table. At least we know he will be smiling.

Miss you Pops.

Wishing everyone a joyous Christmas. Make memories..they last forever. In honor of my Dad, today's song is his favorite carol. Just ten days after the tragedy in Newtown, what better version of the song could there be than the Saturday Night Live opening from last weekend with the children's choir.


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10 comments:

  1. beautiful. My wife will realte and cry when she reads this.

    Merry Christmas. I know Pops is watching you with a smile.

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    1. Thanks Lance, I know he is too. Probably not happy he's missing all the food.

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  2. Love this Kat! What a wonderful little tradition you and your Dad shared. Those are the things that are most meaningful. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

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  3. What a sweet tradition. I have to admit I teared up reading about it. I don't know how many more Christmas' I have with my parents, but I promise you I'm drinking in every single moment. Treasured times.

    Thanks for sharing this with us, Kat.

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    1. Thanks A, and that's exactly the point. Treasure every minute. Merry Christmas to you and Chelsea.

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  4. That was beautiful Kat. And while we both have an empty chair this year, my prayer is that the spirits that used to require it will still be with us. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

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    1. I think they are always with us. So sorry you have an empty chair too. But we still can make new memories, even if they aren't quite the same. Merry Christmas t.

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  5. while i never shared childhood memories with the GIP,Have many memories as an adopted son.(hey fred how about my birds,hey fred u owe me 2bucks for the series,hey fred what do i do with this piece of corn)the chair was empty(physically)it never will be empty in my heart.love ya GIPP

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    1. Very true. We all missed his presence, but he sure was there in spirit.

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