Magical Moments
What makes a gathering of people magical? Well, it’s the waiting for everyone to drive up the drive. It’s the hellos and the hugs and stories of the trip and how the dogs fared.
It’s waking up in the morning to, “Who wants coffee? I got some on to brew.” Pancakes? Waffles? Eggs? Scrambled or fried? While breakfast is getting ready, the kids come through in their jammies, barefoot and hair all askew. They mostly want the bacon; they could smell it cooking! With all the lively chatter and laughter, merriment fills the room.
It’s the adventures of the next fun thing — a walk in the redwoods or a day at the beach with all the shells, driftwood and sandy feet. It’s stopping at Ramone’s or Los Bagels for some special delight, or the kids’ favorite
— a huge cone at the old Fresh Freeze.
In the evening, it’s gathering for dinner with stories of the day. There are the offers to help and dish up. Conversations are light with a sprinkle of serious concerns about life. After dinner, it’s games that everyone can play. It’s the fun and the banter. A great ending of the day.
On the last day, find the socks, the shoes, the coats and the dogs. The car is packed and it’s hugs all around. Then the cars pull out of the drive to calls of “Love you!”
What makes a gathering magical? It’s the love expressed in all these little ways. May your new year be filled with many magical moments!
Aileen Martin loves her magical gatherings in Eureka.
