Barely finished with Thanksgiving, I find myself getting Christmas Cards and even boxes in the mail. Before I moved on from Thanksgiving, I wanted to share a photo of my Uncle Jim and Aunt Mary. I found one at my parent's house. In the guest bedroom, my mom keeps a display of family photos that I have found in a variety of old boxes in the attic and other places.
My Uncle Jim and Aunt Mary are in the center. James Joseph Dunn Jr. was a Master Sargent in the Army and was stationed in Germany immediately after WWII. He looks so impossibly young in this photo. Of course, I never saw him as a "young man"!
In the week that follows Thanksgiving, I place grave blankets on my Grandparent's grave - It is my way of telling them I am thankful for all the love and blessings they gave me while they were "with us." They have not been forgotten - and with the onset of their favorite time of the year, They are specially remembered.
My mother's father loved Fruitcake from Collin Street Bakery of Texas - and a can of it was ordered for the family to share on Christmas Day.
My dad's mom loved to sign her gifts "From Santa" and spent the entire year before Christmas looking (and listening) for the perfect gift idea. She always found something that made her grandchild jump up and down in glee.
The recent loss of my dad's father is becoming less recent - but the later years on the gravestone remind me that my dad's father's last Christmas with us was no different - my older brother and I shared a few hours with him in his comfortable bedroom on Christmas Day. As confused as he was with many things, he knew it was Christmas - and that "Kid" (as he called his wife) was greatly missed...and especially so on that day.
And now, I will start writing and send my own Christmas Cards.
14 comments:
I like the collection and display of photos, Iggy. Uncle Jim and Aunt Mary made a dashingly good looking couple! I think it is neat how you honor your grandparents with the grave blankets. It was a short time between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year; I think its catching a lot of people by surprise with trying to get everything done before the festive day, and then those who might be moving during this time kind of shoved the holiday aside....
betty
I can see your family's love for one another from the many photos displayed in your homes. I've always loved seeing the photos of the grave blankets you place on your grandparents' graves. Very special. *hugs*
Such a wonderful display of memories. The thoughtful heart you have is amazing remembering all those who have since passed away. I hope my phamily Christmas card arrives safely to you from Santa Claus, Indiana. I have said for many years I am calling Jay Cutler to mail my cards from his hometown there. Last week I took all my cards to my local post office and sent them on their way. I always enjoy my visits here. Take care and have a wonderful week.
What a great bunch of old photos! I hope they are marked with names and dates!! I am curious about the newspaper clipping....maybe someday you can share! Those grave blankets are just beautiful Iggy and I enjoyed seeing your Grandad in his room with the Cheeze its and Nilla wafers close by:)
I love that collection of old photos. I need to do something like that at my house!
That's really nice about the grave blankets; a very touching gesture!
My dad was in the navy at the very end of WWII and when I see pictures he looks so young! He was, of course. I love the collection of photos in all the different fames, etc. I never knew those were called grave blankets. Very pretty. Have a great week. Stay warm! :)
I've never heard of a grave blanket before, so I'm glad you posted a picture of one. I like how you take the time to think of family members no longer with you at the holidays, and do things they liked to do.
I've not heard of a grave blanket, but I love this and will remember the next time I go to buy a wreath for my brother's grave.
I love old photos..I'm so tired I can not even think of sending out cards..
A friend recently lost her mom and this Christmas her grave was still fresh with the mounded dirt of the recently buried. She covered the entire grave with boughs of evergreen and wrapped it like a present with beautiful ribbon. I believe it was the prettiest thing I've ever seen. Thanks for the Christmas card!
You are so sweet and thoughtful! To both your family, and your friends!!! I hope you had a lovely Christmas!
I'm hoping 2015 will be a much more organized year for me!
Made me "mist up" a bit. Especially him calling her that 'kid.'
You've been blessed with the knowledge of how important family and heritage is.
A nice phamily tribute here. I love all the old photos. My hubby has a new desk at his new remodeled office and I need to get him situated with photos. I have a nice one of four of our five kids that I no longer use because I don't have a job these days! But it will look good on his desk. In nearly 24 years he never had a desk to sit at. Technology has changed and his desk is so cool it is adjustable in case he needs to stand instead of sit! Lots of new things. I will post pictures at my blog soon. Plus his new floor, the 26th floor is decorated in orange so I hope all those people are Bronco fans! LOL!
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