photograph of my mother, Patricia Gray Van Kooten 8/20/29-5/26/01
Thanks Chrissy for baking Mom's Marshmellow'd Sweet Potatoe Balls
I love you!
It’s just not the same . . . and something’s not right! No cranberry sauce? ...and where are the mashed potatoes tonight and the pearl onions? Seems the menu’s changed somehow . . .
It’s just not the same . . . and something’s not right! No stuffed celery? . . . and there’s no eggnog in sight! What happened to the bowl of nuts? Seems tradition is sliding off the table . . .
It’s just not the same . . . and something’s not right! No creamy corn? . . . and who’s bringing the brown bread with apple butter? Did anyone makea potato stuffing? Seems like I’m having Thanksgiving for the first time, all over again!
It’s just not the same . . . and something’s not right! But yet, there are my sisters same eyes ...and my little niece, smiling bright My father came, and said the prayer
My sons and daughters were there and I still fixed my husband up a plate of what was, there . . . Wait! Mom’s Marshmellow’d, Sweet Potato Balls!
The one traditional entree . . . My mother’s dish, there and then, everything just fell into place ...and all seemed just right, even though, it will never be the same without her
God gives us this help: Painful memories fade with time, their sting waning with the years. But memories of loved ones grow in our heart and never leave us, bringing us joy and comfort. We cry a tear and feel the ache, yet as the circle of life moves on we know that someday there will come a reunion of souls in God's heavenly kingdom. Knowing this gives us the courage to lead our family and hope to face the future.
Life is a journey of experience to prepare us. Know this: God has a plan for each of us.
Love, Hugs, Food, and Care, what else are Moms for, at least most of us remember them that way,and everytime something touches you, a voice, a look, someone familiar there she is, but some of our deepest senses are associated with that sense of caring nourishment, smells and tastes associated with them, that is how they visit you and come into your presence, to participate with her loved ones, She's not gone Kimmy, she's right there with you always, this was just a special moment to notice! Bless your Heart! Jasmin Horst
A touching write Kimmy, very heartfelt as well as sad...it does seem that traditions often pass with time. The holidays are a difficult time, I too find my thoughts drifting back in time...to a time when I spent many dinners around the table with family that has now passed on, but I believe they are glad to know that we are still carrying on their traditions, and passing them down to our children. Well done my friend...you've penned it well!
Blessings & Happy Holidays,
Joyce B.
Reviewed by Chantilly Lace (Reader)
Reviewed on November 24, 2007
Beautiful writing sweet lady,have a wonderful day...Hugsss
It never is the same, something or someone is always missing. Lost both my parents within three months of each other just a shor time ago and no. For some reason everything looks different. I do not even seem to have my usual zest and zeal for Christmas this year.....
Recipes handed down through the generations will never be forgotten...but have discovered something: when I get it right, oh, joy! The memories come flooding back. Unfortunately, I did not inherit my Mom's talent in the kitchen...oh, well. The memories are still there, though. :) Excellent write, Kimmy, I know you miss your Mom. Mine's been gone 17 years--I miss her, still.
No it won't Kimmy friend. When my Mother passed in 1998, many things changed forever. And the rest of the family had to change too to accomodate the void her not being there left. Michele and I spent Thanksgiving on a Mountaintop in the Cuyamaca's yesterday eating cold turkey sandwiches; it was the best one ever.
Blessings and Light ...
Richard
Some of these same thoughts ran through my head today as my family gathered around for the big meal, "just right, but never the same"
sad, but lovely reflections, Kimmy...
This causes one to reflect. Mom fixed the turkey, Dad said the prayer and now they are both with God and my wife and I are trying to Mom and Dad for our children. Actually grandma and Pappa for our grandchildren. Those memories I pray will never die.
God Bless,
Lew
Yes when there is a place setting no longer filled at the physical table, in our hearts we feel the gap but can take comfort that they offered there seats for a whole new generation to come up to the table and share our Thanksgivings....
God bless the children.
After reading your Daddy I am in tears,,,,,,,,,dang......this touched me deeply!!
Big hugs!!
Love |Tinka
Reviewed by John Van Kooten (Reader)
Reviewed on November 23, 2007
My Dearest Kim: Its four AM and just could not sleep any more, so I went to the computer to see wats new an there was your new poem. I just had a good cry for myself, I MISS HER SO MUCH. lOVE YOU DAD.
NOW AVAILABLE!
This book is a limited edition, and copies are hand numbered. It will NOT be available through Amazon or other distributors. You must purchase it directly from the author or from this site. It is hard-back (not the spiral bind seen
Contraband Marriage, traveling along the hemline of loving after incarceration, is a love story written in lyric and free form, set in reality with a different ever after.
Share
Print
Save
Follow
Life is a journey of experience to prepare us. Know this: God has a plan for each of us.
Richard
Ron
Blessings & Happy Holidays,
Joyce B.
bill
Be safe,
Karen
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
Blessings and Light ...
Richard
Walt
sad, but lovely reflections, Kimmy...
Carole~
She still does.
Georg
God Bless,
Lew
God bless the children.
Fee
I sadly know that feeling all too well, and you've penned a truly loving, heartfelt piece, Kimmy. And I see your loving Dad thinks so, too.
Big hugs!!
Love |Tinka
Allen