July 4, 2010 THE UNFINISHED IMAGE
From the archives…
It was a tradition in my family! We five boys didn’t know her very well. I’m not sure my parents did either; but Mrs. Brown sat at our family table every Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day when we were young. Then, to us her face was simply old; now I remember it as well-proportioned, framed in a halo of white hair. No features were outstanding in themselves, but they disclosed a gentleness and kindness. It was her expression of wonder that caught our attention. “My stars!” she would exclaim. Years later, whenever her name was mentioned, you could count on one of my brothers echoing, “My stars!”
I think Mrs. Brown was a landlord when my mother and grandmother first moved to town. She must have been kindly way back then. Now, she was alone, so mother invited her to our festive table. Even though she lived just three blocks away, dad always picked her up in the car. When we became teens we’d ride along and escort her across an icy sidewalk to the car, to our house, then, to the car and to her house. It was a tradition.
Mother was always glad to see her. As Mrs. Brown came into the living room, mother would enter from the kitchen with its roasting turkey aromas, drying her hands on her apron, a welcoming smile on her face. An embrace. Mother took time for her. After all, Mrs. Brown was alone.
Dad was a real exercise enthusiast! Twice a year he took a walk; after dinner on Thanksgiving and Christmas! That came later. First, just after our pumpkin pie, mother and sons washing dishes, dad visited with Mrs. Brown in the living room until her return to the car and to her home. He was attentive and held up his end of a respectful conversation. “My stars!” we’d hear in the kitchen and giggle!
As intact as any family is lucky enough to be, it should break ranks for the likes of Mrs. Brown. When I think of those days I gather a memory of the past, an insight from the gospel, a recipe for the future for the disciples of Jesus.
It was a tradition in my family; not unlike the traditions in many other families. It is a tradition worth conserving.