“Giving THANKS… Comfort and Joy…”

Nov 28th “Giving THANKS… Comfort and Joy…”

When we get to this time of the year… NOVEMBER and DECEMBER…and “IF” – – in the right kind of FAMILY…where the parents want to give to their children…the world with a ring around it – – well then you may have an idea of what I’m talking about???

In 1900…and the years that followed…my MOTHER was only a little girl…and also the thirteenth and the last. Some of the older brothers were already married and not even living at home…and hardly even knew that there was a new little sister added to the BRADY FAMILY. In fact…Mrs. Thomas F. Brady, was way pass the years that – – you would even think of her bearing another child? Some FAMILY and FRIENDS…almost thought – – that little MARIE, was the new little, baby girl…born to the eldest of the BRADY boys, JIM BRADY?

At Christmas Time…one year…I had to ask my MOTHER about how she was treated as a child and what did she ask for…and what did she receive? “WOW…what a BIG disappointment…” I knew that her FAMILY had money and could give to her anything and everything…that they surely celebrated in a big way…since they were IRISH!

During the first and very young years of Marie’s Life…the FAMILY celebrated with big FAMILY get togethers – mainly eating and lots of music and singing afterwards – – with all the FAMILY together – – and no real exchange of gifts…did she remember. But…when she was in the lower grades of school…she did receive a DOLL. She never asked for a DOLL and she said she never really ever asked for anything…since everything was provided.

In hearing my MOTHER…tell me how it was when she was a little girl …sure got me to thinking…about how different we do things – TODAY! We just go off the charts, with spending and purchasing items today for people…by putting ourselves in such a big debt – – that after … which ever HOLIDAY – – that we are celebrating…we feel a real sick feeling in the gut – – what did we do? AND.. WHY??

Some of the stories that I hear…leaves me thinking…WHY not continue in the more FAMILY orientated way of old…just getting together …celebrating with FOOD…MUSIC…SONG…just making “MERRY” – – being comfortable … in our celebration – and seeing the JOY each member of the FAMILY is having – and all the FRIENDS are also enjoying being included in the making of the “Best of Memories” for a LIFE-TIME!