Time is what keeps things from happening all at once. I can’t believe we will be saying goodbye to Father Christmas and hello to Baby New Year. 2017 has been one for the record books. Along with such powerful acts of nature have come more miraculous gifts of compassion.
I can tell you my knees are tired. But they have not given out on me yet. To me, “taking a knee” means only one thing. Raising a family is the real original spectator sport. We coach our children and share our values, morals and work ethic and send them onto the field. We hold our breath as they take their hits and are the loudest cheerleaders when they are successful. I believe if we do it right and give way to faith, we can take a step back. We turn them loose and take to our knees.
This year, as a mother, it has been another exciting view from the bleachers. We said goodbye to one son as he was deployed again, while trying to reach another son, a photographer, as he was in Sonoma during the horrific fires. We’ve selected wedding dresses as we plan another daughter’s wedding and celebrated our 35th anniversary. We’ve watched our children parent as our grandsons grow and take their first bumps. We plan in anticipation for our youngest son’s college graduation. Wow, no wonder my knees are tired!
I hope you take time to toast 2017 and to cheer in and welcome 2018!
By Cathy Cooper, coordinator of dietary and services for the Holy Cross Diocesan Center
Photography by Monica Organ
WHITE CHRISTMAS Punch
Boil
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
Cool
Add to simple syrup:
• 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk
• 1 tbsp almond extract
• ½ tsp nutmeg
Place all in a large punch bowl and add:
• 1 gallon vanilla ice cream
• 2 3-liter bottles of lemon/lime soda