December 10, 2005

Elton L. "Jiggs" Ritchey

Yesterday was December 9 and if my dad were still alive, he would have been 83 years old. I often wonder why my dad didn't live any longer than he did. He would love watching his great grandchildren. He would have such pride in his 3 grandsons and their wives. He was a good man, a loving father and faithful husband to my mother. He was extremely committed to the little church in Port Neches which now does not even exist anymore. He would leave in the middle of the night to go help a widow that was in need. He never tired of work or doing for others.

Well, Daddy, I just want you to know I thought about your birthday as usual. I miss you and wish you were here to celebrate Christmas with us. I still see you laughing at the boys funny antics. You would enjoy watching your two great grandchildren in the same way. They are so cute.

You were always my best cheerleader. You helped me to read, tie my shoelaces and even how to drive a nail into a board. You played in the backyard with me and played guitars and sang with me. You even took me driving when I was 15 years old and Mama was too afraid to do ride with me.

You got tears in your eyes the evening I went on my first date and you cried the night I got married. My favorite wedding photo is of you and mom kissing my cheeks, one on each side.

When your mind began to go, you told me with the same zeal in your voice, about a news article where scientist had found a dinosaur bone...3 times. You walked beside me after Mom's funeral, put your arm around my shoulders and told me that you loved me like a real daughter. Who knows who you thought I was.

I like to see you in my mind the way you are in a photograph taken at my house the first Christmas without mom. You are laughing as Cynthia jokingly put a red Christmas bow on your head. You always loved a good laugh and when you and Cynthia teamed up, you were both hilarious. I hope you and Cynthia are enjoying each other in Heaven.

Keep laughing Daddy. I love you.
Your daughter,
Mary Lou

December 3, 2005

Holidays

Holidays sure have changed over the past 15 years. Kim and I have gone from buying gifts for a lot of people to buying for just a couple of people. I know a lot of people that would be asking, "Are you complaining?" Well, yes I am. I like a Christmas tree with lots of presents around the bottom. I love the joy of watching everyone tear into a brightly wrapped package with an expectant look of delight. It's fun!

I will say, however, that the best part of Christmas is catching that look of excitment in my grandchild, Aidan's, face. And this year we will get to watch Regan go for all the red and green bows to play with. No matter what you get for an 8 month old, there is nothing better than a bow. Go figure. :-?

Anyway, I'm going to try to make my own Christmas. I want to dress up the house and light some candles and I just might buy more presents this year.

'Tis the season. :-)
Merry Christmas!
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