As the family rolled into Christmas 26 years ago in 1988 several things happened:
As always in the course of the year, some happy and some sad, but always looking forward to an even better next year full of promise.
Your father turned 50 and lost his brother at an early age.
Jake Hurst was born
And, Dad’s book of Christmas letters was created.
To review: 26 years and try to add a little
The basis is to attempt to pass on to our children the Christmas giving and spirit we share. And leave each with a simple guide for a happy future, along with some memorial token gifts.
To recap, not in order:
- Taking some grandchildren shopping for less fortunate “Adopt a Family” program.
- Giving up Christmas gifts so we could assist a family member in need.
- Having our children read the letters
- Grandchildren tell us how they feel about Christmas
- Quiz about the family past – encourage education!
- Lots of encouragement on going to church and relations to God.
- Talk of pets – Smokie, Charlie, etc
- Cabin stories – skiing, swimming, 4th of July and just fun.
- Along the way, I lost my mother and father.
- Baseball, softball, football, basketball, soccer. Lots of sporting events.
- Talk of budgets, money management, planning and goals.
- Lots of favorite sayings – some original
View the book any time Come visit your parents any time.
Now for some new life lessons, thoughts.
If it’s not yours, don’t take it.
If it’s not nice, don’t say it.
If you know it’s not right, don’t do it.
Never lie to anyone about anything.
Don’t get too high on success or too low on failure.
DO THE RIGHT THING – YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.
The oldest grandchildren will now recall what they remember of Dad’s letters – Jessica, Jake, Max, Zack
Reading on Christmas – Zoe and Jaxson
Gift = Popcorn and coin
God loves you, and so do we.
The Barber Family 