Tree Worthy

To you it’s just a picture. But to me it is a representation of what was and is.

I had not seen them for many years as they lay wrapped in their tissue and overlooked year after year. As time passed, other things took their place on her tree, like ribbons and Santas, and snowflakes and stars.

It sat there all day as I continued the holiday decorating but my eyes kept returning each time I passed. Not really remembering what was inside I finally stopped my busyness long enough to take a peek. Scribbled across its lid were the words “My old tree ornaments”. Being a little rusty it took some pulling and prodding, but it did finally screech its way free.

In my own silence I took them from the tin in which they were stored and began to examine them to see if they were still “tree worthy”. After all, they have been around for so long that most of them have faded from blue to silver, red to pink, and from a shiny golden tone to a strange mustard color.

Even the tissue was dingy and fragile as I began to unwrap one by one to discover the realization of what these ornaments stood for: Their beginning, our beginning…. my beginning.

It began in the early 1950’s with nothing much to show for but trust, honor and love. But then came year after year of hard work to make it better and undivided dedication to make it last.

I found myself thinking about the truths they exemplified during the years these old tattered ornaments hung on our tree. I remembered him methodically testing each and every bulb on the long, heavy strand to make sure every single one was going to shine. I realize now it was his patience and attention to detail that inspired him. My memory took me back to when I was sitting at the table watching her make peanut brittle, stained glass candy and Martha Washington balls. I could smell the garlic and spices that she used on the mixed cereal snacks that she shared with everyone. She always let me watch her make them and then turned her head as if not to know if I snuck one off the platter.

Those memories brought me to the realization of just how much these old worn out ornaments represent. I doubt they gave much thought to their legacy at the time as they just did what was natural when you trust, honor and love your family.

Today they hang tattered and faded as are the days gone by…

But lest I never forget…

Oh, how tree worthy!