Make holiday moments special….
Recently on a cold, snowy day
before Christmas, I was flipping through the newspaper. On the cover of one of the little food
magazines was this decadent looking cake.
Although I try to avoid such temptations, I could not help but slow down
to see just what kind of cake was featured.
As I read the name, a small smile came to me. It was a spice cake with molasses cream
cheese frosting. As soon as I read the
name, I thought of my dad. He would have
loved it as he always loved anything with spice – gingersnaps, molasses
cookies, spice cake, etc. He was even
known to eat Fruitcake! And like father
I am his daughter. These are now some of
my favorite treats also. The next
thought was how much I wished I could make this cake for him. How special it would be to have cake and
coffee with him. He passed away in
October 2005. It made me realize how
quickly time goes. How often we think we
will have many years to do the things we want for others. And how sad it is when suddenly you realize
you cannot. Although my father and I had
a very arduous relationship for years while I was growing up, we fortunately
managed to put our differences aside the last ten years and build a very solid
relationship. He still got on my nerves
at times but we came along way. And
since his passing, many times the very things that aggravated me then I have
acknowledged to his spirit that yes dad, you were right.
So my wish for all of you this
Holiday season is to put those differences aside. Think about the special things you would like
to do for others and do them while you can.
Reach out to someone where the relationship is strained – be the first
to make an effort. Contrary to what
marketers would like us to believe, it is the special times, not the material
things that can make the season full of joy!
I challenge you this Holiday season to create three special memories
with friends or family. Reach out to
someone in need, give up a grudge, call an old friend, and just make the
effort.
I wish all of you a very healthy
and wonderful Holiday Season and look forward to seeing you in 2014.
All the Best,
Leslie