A Very Merry Birthday – Carol is Sweet & Sassy Today!
Posted on December 26, 2007 in the Real Beauty category
Happy Holidays to my 5 readers! I have a special post today. It is my Aunt Carol’s birthday & I want you all to know it. I wrote this chapter a few years ago and never posted it – a true shame to be sure – but I’m resurrecting it (with a few updates) and sharing it with all of you. Exciting, I know!
Here is an overview of my soon-to-be best seller – you can say you knew me when…..Real Beauty Book Overview
Sit back and enjoy!
Carol is beautiful because she is…..ACCEPTING and DEDICATED TO FAMILY. There are a lot of reasons I love her – but these are two of the most prevalent and admirable. You only have to spend a few minutes in her company to know how important it is for her to have her family close. And I don’t mean her husband, Jack and her two sons Greg & Eric. I mean anyone who comes to her home. She treats everyone like family. I’ve never known anyone more welcoming and hospitable than my Aunt Carol. And to me that is quite beautiful.
Carol doesn’t care if her house isn’t perfectly picked up when guests arrive. You’ll be accepted and hustled in before you know what is happening. She doesn’t care if you are staying one, two or three days. She opens her house to everyone. It is tradition to celebrate Thanksgiving at Carol’s each year. I always intend to stay one or two nights and not impose too much. But once I walk through that door, I want to be there all weekend. I never know who will end up at her table – but I know Carol will make them feel part of the bunch.
I’ve never felt more welcome or less of a bother almost anywhere else. And though I know most people WANT to create a comfortable atmosphere for their guests, it pales in comparison to Carol. And that’s because she accepts everyone for who they are and makes them feel good about it.
Carol creates a traditional Thanksgiving dinner each year. I count on the best turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and all the fixings. I never really cared for Thanksgiving very much, but as each year has gone by, the more I have appreciated being at her house surrounded by all the good memories, good food and lively conversation. It’s become one of my favorite holidays – having the family together. I know it means a lot to Carol. As much as I like to be cared for, doted upon and included in the group, I know she does, too.
When I first moved to San Jose to attend SJSU, I was nervous to be away from home. But knowing she was only a short distance away, I know I would always have a place to go whenever I needed one. I know this is true today – even though she now lives in Oregon. There was not an Easter or Thanksgiving, when they lived in Morgan Hill, that I didn’t get an invitation. I know Carol always looks forward to seeing my husband and me. And we enjoy spending time with her. I’ve never doubted her love for us.
I find it challenging sometimes to invite people into my life or my home – schedules are tight, priorities are stifling, or we just need some time alone. But I think of Carol and know I shouldn’t be so concerned or stingy with my time and space. She’s one of the best examples of unselfish and non-judgmental love I’ve witnessed. I wish I could see more for her. I only hope she knows how appreciated she is and what her true friendship means to me.
Happy Birthday, Aunt Carol. Thank you for showing me how to be more accepting and dedicated. I appreciate your example and love you to pieces.
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Thank you my darling Missy. You know you are welcome anytime and to bring ole what’s his name! I have learned so much from you, patience, fun and the art of loving. You are the best.
Yeah Carol!!! Thanks for always being so welcoming to us and all our children and spouses. We always love to visit, eat, shop, and spend time at your fun house with you and funny Jack. When Eric and Greg are there we enjoy all the laughs and conversation. Soooooo, Happy Birthday sister-in-law and keep up the good work.
Love, Ginger and your big brother Ed
Here it is, Jan 1st 2008, and I’m just getting around to reading my messages.
Congratulations, Aunt Carol !!! What a great tribute to you from Little Krissy !
How come I have missed that fabulous sounding Thanksgiving ???? Maybe you should open a Powers Hotel or Bed and Breakast !!! Yea !! Happy Birthday !!
Love, Toni and Bob
Thanks guys, I appreciate all the kind words. Toni, come on up and join the Thanksgiving fun, Ginger will gladly let you peel potatoes!