December 2011

Page 36

I will always remember my past, but I will now be hopeful for what the future brings. I will remember my old traditions fondly, then strive to create new ones. accompany us with Riley, their newly adopted American Bulldog/Dalmation mix. I have hope that this journey is the beginning of a beautiful new tradition. Florance Millahn is a business professional based in New Jersey and an occasional writer for Mountain Home.

sam Mccaughey

Ken Meyer

Mia Lisa Anderson Sarah Wagaman

36

adjusting, and throwing together a holiday meal that I never took the time to savor. As I grew older, my Christmas burnout grew stronger. I sometimes wished this beautiful season away. In his story, Dickens counseled that we should never forget the traditions and loved ones that have gone away, but we should be hopeful of those yet to come. As if on cue, Shenzi awoke and put her head on my lap. As she looked at me with her soulful brown eyes, I reminisced about the day I adopted her. I was heartbroken with the passing of my 125-pound beloved dog, Mickey, just the day before. I couldn’t bear the house empty without that large and loving presence. With such profound sadness, came hope in a dog called Shenzi. I didn’t know it was possible to feel that bond again. I will always remember my past, but I will now be hopeful for what the future brings. I will remember my old traditions fondly, then strive to create new ones. I will always remember my father and my grandparents, but I will look forward to the new people who come into my life…I will ”intertwine every garland and wreath of my life.” Christmas is a time of hope, joy, love, and charity. Perhaps the reason why I enjoy the Dickens Festival so much is because it brings me back to the magic of Christmas past where I can nurture that young girl with wonder in her eyes. This year I am looking forward to returning to the Dickens Festival with my husband and our dogs. My son and his girlfriend are planning to


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.