Georgia On My Mind

When you think about this time of year, what do you think about?  Is it finding that rare gift for that special someone?  Is it reflecting on the many past holidays spent with your family?  How about those moments that make you stop and pause for a moment, about something you did or didn’t do?  Many of us recall the times when we were children and couldn’t wait for that day to get here so that we could open our presents.  Some of us recall our relatives who had that strange look or trait we laughed about or whispered quietly to each other as they passed on by.  Or maybe, we remember something we never received or of a relative that we had lost.  It is these kinds of memories we hold in the silence of our hearts.

We see the child’s eyes open wide at all the wonders of the season – the snowfall, the parades, the sights and sounds that stir them to emotion.  We remember how we reacted and were enlightened by their innocence and their ability to see everything as if it was new.  There are those of us though for which this season is lost.  We hold much regret and anger for those who have more than we do.  We are bitter to the point of alienating the ones that love us the most. 

There is a way to get through a hardened heart and a way to a childlike view of the world.  It is to think about how our shortcomings pale in comparison to the hardships Joseph and Mary had in the birth of the baby Jesus.  Imagine giving birth to your child sitting in a damp, cold and barren stable with no running water, no heat to keep the cold away and not much acceptance to the life you have lead or to you personally.

It reminds us that life is too short to dwell on the past and for us to not forget to live.  I think of this little boy who had insurmountable odds of survival, I am humbled.  And, I remember the ones that have gone before me who sacrificed their lives so that we would have a chance at a better one. 

There is one such person, especially this year that I mourn the passing of.  I remember what she did for us and for the many others who lives were blessed with her presence.  She was unselfish, kind to a fault.  I also remember fondly her talent for gardening and her ‘green thumb’.  She could plant a popsicle stick and it would flower.  Now, where is that miracle when I need it!  She would give of herself freely and hadn’t a bad word to say about anyone.  She lived her life by example and was a true hero to those who were touched by her deeds or by her radiant smile and for her love for those less fortunate.  She was a second mother to us after our mom passed away years before.  She exemplified what that little boy in a manger represented so long ago – hope, hope for a world without hunger or want. 

I promised the children of this fine lady that I would write it with them in mind.  This is for you and for everyone suffering a loss at this time of year.  Think about the good times and of the many things you did together.  You will find yourself recalling something funny and the memories and the laughter will come.  Ray Charles wrote a song many decades ago that flows through my mind as I remember her and of all the others that have passed on in my life.  And for her children, especially, this song is for you.

I said Georgia, Georgia
A song of you
Comes as sweet and clear
As moonlight through the pines

Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you

I said Georgia, oh Georgia
No peace I find
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind,

Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind…

May there be many such songs.  For Terry, Steve, dad and family may this Christmas bring you much joy.  May God grant us all the serenity to accept the things we cannot change – to change the things we can – and to know the difference.  Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year.  May the wind be forever at your backs and may His peace be with you, always.