"Mom Mom, Please don't live in yesterday!" the young child cried.

 

It is the season for this.  It is a time of reflection.  It is a time when

our spirits soar on the wings of yesterday's dreams and ride heavily

on the hopes for tomorrow. 

 

But for one little girl, there was only today and she wanted her "Mom Mom" to be there.

 

They had gathered once more for the big family feast.  Christmas Day was

not only a special celebration of all they believed in, the foundation of their faith,

but the one and only time when everyone could be together in one place.

 

As always they gathered at the homestead out on the family farm that had

been a part of their lives for generations.  Great great grandparents before

them had tilled the soil and not only provided for their family, but had contributed

to the dozens of families who worked for them through the years.  These fields

not only produced crops that help feed the country, they produced strong, faith

filled families who make this country great.

 

Every Christmas for as long as the family had owned this land everyone returned

to celebrate.  Sons and daughters, family and friends all gathered together to

experience what was labeled "The Great Feast."

 

Through the years as naturally as life itself, the dynamics of this family had changed. 

The loss of Grand Dad back in June would make this year's celebration a bit more difficult. 

 He had been the inspiration to continue on in the farming industry while so many family farms

had succumb to financial loss and family disinterest.

 

"Grand Dad was our spirit, our back bone,"  Mom Mom said.  And with that set the tone of her

attitude toward this year's gathering.

 

As family arrived Mom Mom sat quietly in her favorite chair near the fire place.  In year's past

she always stood at the front door and personally greeted each and everyone.  She did not

have the desire or will this year.  It was not only her husband who had died, but her will to go on without him.

 

As the day progressed everyone made an effort to make her a part of all the special traditions

this family had created through the years.  The lighting of the tree, the family sing-along, the personal

visit by Santa himself and the placement of the Christ Child in the great manger beneath the tree

always made this gathering a special memory for every member of this extended family.

 

Throughout the day every moment triggered yet another sweet but painful memory

for their beloved mother. 

 

"You know the best Christmas we ever had was when..." she would say as she

reflected back on nearly 60 years of Christmas memories with the love of her life.

 

"The year Grand Dad slipped off the roof trying to show the kids how Santa lands on 

house tops had to be the best Christmas.  Thank God the snow was piled so deep

along side the house.  That was the best year!" she said.

 

Most of the young children in the family remained oblivious to the adult conversation and

went about doing what they did best.  They laughed and played together creating their own

memories to be tucked away for a day far into the future when they would gather around

remembering the good old days.

 

But little Lisa Ann couldn't help but to be drawn into Mom Mom's reflections.  As the

celebration continued Lisa Ann seemed to withdraw from the festivities.  Her Mom and Dad

attributed it to fatigue from the long trip to Mom Mom's.  They had started their day at 5:00 a.m. 

so that they would be able to participate in the entire event and not miss a moment of fun.

 

But there was something else wrong with Lisa Ann. 

 

At about mid afternoon, everyone had gathered together to exchange gifts.  Because of the

size of this extended family all agreed to limit the presents to small, but significant gifts that

 would either be handmade or cost under five dollars.  The joy and laughter continued as

names were called out and wrapping paper scattered all about the room.

 

Mom Mom continued to reflect on moments from the past as each gift reminded her of yet

another yesterday.

 

"Lisa Ann!" Mom Mom called her next to receive her present.

 

"Lisa Ann, here come get your gift," Mom Mom said.

 

Lisa Ann rose slowly and reluctantly headed her way.

 

"Oh, I remember the best Christmas was when..." Mom Mom started to say.

 

"Mom Mom, stop it!" Lisa Ann cried out.

 

A hush fell over the room.  The young child's cry brought the festivities to a screeching halt. 

 

"Lisa Ann.  What's wrong?"  her mother asked. "Why would you speak to Mom Mom that way?"

 

"Mom Mom stop it, " she said again through tears of pain and anguish.

 

"What's wrong, Lisa?  Stop what?" Mom Mom asked as she reached for her and held her tightly.

 

Lisa, crying so hard, gasped for her breath.  Heaving and sobbing she looked up at Mom Mom.

 

"Mom Mom, please don't live in yesterday," she cried. 

 

Her grandmother and everyone was startled by her words.

 

"What do you mean Lisa?" she asked.

 

"Mom Mom.  All day long you have been talking about the past.  All day long you have said the

best Christmas was this and the Best Christmas was that.  Mom Mom,  I wasn't there for those

best Christmases.  I want to be a part of your best Christmas ever," she said as she buried her

small face into Mom Mom's chest.

 

"Oh my Lord," said Mom Mom.  "I didn't realize...."

 

As if it were a moment created for a movie, one by one each member of the family reached out

for the hand of another standing near by.  Then someone started to sing.

 

"I'll be home for Christmas

You can count on me

Please have snow and mistletoe

and Presents on the tree."

 

As everyone continued to sing, Mom Mom looked down and holding Lisa Ann's face in her

hands said,  "You know the best Christmas I ever had was the year my beautiful Grandchild

Lisa Ann, reminded me that it is okay to remember yesterday, but don't spend so much time

there that you miss the chance to make new memories for tomorrow."

 

"Thanks Mom Mom.  Merry Christmas.  I love you!"

 

It is a time to remember the moments that made our lives so great.  Whether you are

spending a quiet holiday at home or with family gathered  together, memories will churn

inside and bubble to the surface at just the right time.  Adults have an advantage for they

have collected so many treasured moments through a lifetime.  But for the youngest child

 these are memories in the making.  Don't spend so much time in what once was,  that you

miss the chance to create what can be...the best Christmas ever.