Reminders

Christmas is almost here and it is a bittersweet one for me this year. I have many sweet memories of my mom and Christmas. This first one without her is so hard.

Everywhere I turn, I am reminded of her. I was Christmas shopping in Belk's (her favorite store) and for a second I thought "I need to find something for mama" and then realized that I won't be doing that this year or ever again. I was in the grocery store and saw chocolate covered cherries - reminding me how much she loved them. I would always buy them for her this time of year. She loved all sweets. I used to take her milkshakes and candy bars - she never gained weight.

I guess the most poignant reminder of her this season has been her iron skillet. I dug it out yesterday to make cornbread for dressing. This is only my second attempt at dressing - we'll see how it goes. Anyway, my mama used that skillet almost everyday. She made cornbread for our family. I thought about how she would make her cornbread and how she taught me how. I can remember her showing me how to grease the pan up with lard and showing me just how "soupy" the batter should be. She told me never leave the pan wet. "Wash it and dry it immediately". "Take care of your pots and pans", she said.

My mama taught me so many things. I miss her so much. I know she would not come back here and who could blame her? She is with our Savior....in His precense- praising Him, walking, dancing, rejoicing. She is well. She is new. She has everlasting life because she knows Him. I am thankful that I have that promise, too.