It has been a tradition at our house...that anyone who may not have a place to go on a holiday is welcome at our table. It may be someone recently divorced, widowed....or has family out of town and is unable to travel. We learned that tradition at home...my parents did the same thing. There was often people no one really knew well that became part of our family for that holiday.
The most difficult holidays are the first ones that after a loved one has passed...the place at the table....the honored family traditions are not the same without that person present. We got to thinking....how can we best honor the memory of my Dad...who is celebrating the holiday on another level. My Father was one of the most generous people you could ever be fortunate enough to know...the tears fall easily as I write this...we miss him every day. He used to say "I have money I haven't even spent yet !".....we do too and haven chosen to start another tradition in our family to share the prosperity we have with others.
This year, we will fill the car with dinner for the staff and residents of The Womens Center in honor of my Dad and his generous spirit. We know he would appreciate that the example he set as a parent has been instilled in his children and the tradition of giving continues to those who are less fortunate. For the women who are in the shelter this year....helping them to start over...to learn, to heal...to begin a better life. For the staff who tirelessly gives of their time above and beyond what is expected in any job.
There may be a place at your table that was where a loved one once sat....there is a memory of people who have been a profound and positive influence on your life...Honor those people...Honor their memory....give thanks by giving.
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