Mother at Christmas

I miss my Mother very much and especially during the holidays, of course. I have felt, as I sure many can relate, at quite a loss since I always spent a great deal of time in composing, and sending out her Christmas cards, and shopping for her in the later years for the entire family’s gifts.

I remember as if it were yesterday, my brother and I taking our Mother to the Tulsa Airport so she could jet out on the trip to England. She was so nervous! Now that I am upper middle-aged, I know that claustrophobia may have certainly heightened her nervousness.

Mother had collaborated with her cousin in Bath, England for many years. Her lifetime achievement was extensive genealogical research. Through her research efforts, she had arranged for she and fourteen cousins (literally!) to travel to England together.

My brother asked permission to walk her onto the plane to make sure she was seated and arranged before takeoff. Before security issues were so tight, he was allowed to do this. Her cousin-travel adventures took her to London, Bristol, Bath, and throughout the lovely Cotswolds.

And, as we know.... the trip was a great success. She enjoyed it so much! It was one of the highlights of her life in meeting her cousins in England, and of course, traveling to the U.K.

Mom came to speak to my third grade class after that trip to England. She told them of her travels and shared pictures with them as well. What a delight that was!

Something of Mother remains in Christmas. Sometimes, it is as if I can smell the moment. The special aroma of pies baking, the amazing array of food prepared with the turkey baking slowly in the oven throughout the night; those are the smells of Mother at Christmas. And this Christmas, after having ventured to the U.K. myself, I am especially contented in taking in the precious moments and smells of Christmas, and of remembering Mother.

↣↣↣ Hicks Killingsworth

Originally written 18 December 2006; recompiled 13 December 2016

© 2016 Hicks Killingsworth

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