Time Travel

Yesterday while eating a favorite fast food, I read a Dove dark-chocolate thought for the day: “Keep life moving forward; looking backward is only for time travelers.”  It reminded me of advice from an older gentleman who taught, “Don’t look back — only forward.”  (He had a lot of sadness in his past and present life.)

We know time travel is “the action of traveling through time into the past or future.”  I often go back to learn, preserve history, and share with loved ones.  It’s a different mindset.  Today I look backward at my first 12 months of life in this apartment community — unlike any other I’ve experienced.  Management does a great job with the owner’s mandate to make us seniors smarter, stronger, and more socially active.  Meals in the dining room and activities in the social room help.  ( I keep moving by running up stairs.)  However, I look forward to time alone for completing my projects, pausing, and pondering the future.

At the present, I feel very blessed to have my forever companion Kay and our family.  We are all time travelers with sweet, recurring memories of her loving service to hundreds, and thoughts about seeing her again.  “There is no end to what we can do together” ... with love.

Christmas Mail

Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t too late.  Years ago, I got in the habit of sending “season’s greetings” at a more relaxed time of year — after the 25th.  It’s good to “slow down”, as Sissel sang (2019 Pioneer Concert in SLC).

Using USPS self-service with Flat Rate Priority Mail has saved me in recent years, while other folks wait in line at the post office.  Online tracking provided is helpful.  Amazon is amazing as well.  However, a simple Christmas postcard I received today from Wisconsin is just as lovely under my little tree as a wrapped present; the thoughtful, handwritten note warms my heart.

Who saves Christmas cards and year-end family newsletters?  We used to display them in a basket.  The senders are so thoughtful and generous, I can’t discard without digitizing with iPhone camera (my habit of saving).  A dear friend of my wife Kay writes and shares her poetry — precious!  Having saved and rediscovered a small painting of the Nativity, I see a daily reminder of the true meaning of Christmas: celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ ... with love.

Medley of Musical Memories

When I write my personal history next year, these will prompt my memory of Christmas:

The Nutcracker at Kingsbury Hall, U of U

and Peery’s Egyptian Theater, Ogden.

“Amahl and the Night Visitors”, an opera in one act by Gian Carlo Menotti (on TV).

Young boy’s performance of “O Holy Night” on Grandmother’s grand upright piano, Avenues.

Tabernacle Choir Christmas songs as a tradition on that special morning.

“Lullaby of Christmas” narrated by Gregory Peck; (this story on vinyl LP brought tears).

East High A cappella Choir performances and recording (LP) directed by Lorraine Bowman.

The Carpenters (sister and brother).

KWHO (1950s SLC) and Classical 89 BYU (station survivor!) with my favorite music of the season.

Handel’s “Messiah” oratorio (1741).

My wife Kay’s piano playing and teaching the Primary our favorite Christmas music from the Children’s Songbook.

A random list may help you rough-draft a history by category or topic.

Wishing you and your family a merry, musical Christmas!

granddaughter at Cannons' grand upright

Miracle of Memory

Nativity scene carved in wood from Israel

Gratitude for Jesus Christ, our Savior

Christmas caroling (Kay & Ned) to friendly neighbors nearby

Beloved stockings hung by the fireplace

Christmas Eve talent show with cousins at Cannon grandparents’ old Avenues home

Reading together Christmas Eve: Luke 2, the birth of Jesus – the real reason for celebrating

“The Christ Child” on YouTube since 2019 and companion video “Behind the Scenes” — precious perspective

Christmas morning fun routine to help children (youngest first in line) take it slowly and enjoy family all day including grapefruit for breakfast

Twelve Days ending with more gifts on January 6th, Three Kings Day (Epiphany)

“Leave the tree up until the 12th day, please.”

Loving memories — a miracle!