Ken Loyd's Eclectic Blog: Christmas in Georgia

First of all, let me just say

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Now, let me say, this blog post may not be for everybody. It is especially for my family, but that does not exclude my bountiful array of friends whom I consider part of the family. I hope you feel you're part of that cherished band.

Counting my college years, I've lived in North Carolina since 1971. That's over two-thirds of my life. Yet the memories and bonds from my formative years growing up in Atlanta are very dear to me. Each Christmas, my North Carolina family journeys to Atlanta for a "second Christmas" celebrated at my mother and father's home. Mama and Daddy had loved playing host and hostess to the friends of me, Buddy, and Caryn during our high school days. It often involved a game of Risk, some music, and light refreshments.

Over the years, the event evolved into a full-fledged tradition, with many more people, much more music, and loads of yummy holiday treats. Even many of our Atlanta friends only saw each other at our annual party, so it was something of a reunion we all looked forward to with great anticipation. No one enjoyed the party more than Mama and Daddy. It's hardly an exaggeration to say that Mama lived for these gatherings of her children with our families and friends. It brought great joy to her each Christmas season. Last February, when Mama passed away, we all agreed that the parties would continue, though it was a little hard to imagine. Then, two months before this Christmas, Daddy had a fall, followed by surgery and rehab. But we were thrilled to find that he improved enough to host his party, returning home for the first time since entering the hospital in October.

Though Daddy has had good days, so-so days, and great days during his recovery, he really rose to the occasion of having his family and friends renew our annual tradition. The day before the big party, those of us who were able ate at Atlanta's Varsity Jr. drive-in. You should have seen Daddy devour his hamburger and hot dog. Not much wrong with him!

And what tonic equals holding a little bundle of joy like Claire in your lap? Claire may not remember this in a few years, but she'll be in kindergarten about the time of Daddy's 100th birthday. I bet she'll remember that!

It was a rare quiet night at the Varsity and our family had all the space, privacy, and mouth-watering food we could have dreamed of. I stuck to burgers, fries, and a large Varsity orange drink. But some of the other fare included chili slaw dogs and chili cheese steaks with pimiento cheese. Try it, you'll like it!

Lindsey and Branley say, "Look what we got for Christmas!"

Buddy, Caryn, and Steve (Caryn's husband) had Daddy's house and yard looking grand for Tuesday night's occasion.

Steven coaches Brianna on the meaning of "laid-back." Looks like she's got the hang of it.

Me with Daddy, Christmas 2009

My sister Caryn with Daddy

My brother Buddy with Daddy

This isn't just a picture of us children with Daddy. Notice the beautiful picture of Mama on the piano along with her and Daddy's wedding picture. Mama was with us in spirit and I know she smiled down on us that evening.

Our Georgia nieces, Lindsey and Brantley with Daddy.

All four of Daddy's grandchildren: (L to R) Lindsey, Jennifer, Brantley, and Amanda

Add a couple of great-grandchildren and Grandpa Loyd's smile widens even more!

You can't bottle happiness, but it does come in small packages!

This is an updated four generation picture.

Add in Judy, without whom that third and fourth generation would never have happened!

Claire seems drawn like a magnet to Grandpa Loyd's face.
Kindred spirits, perhaps.

"Don't worry-- Grandpa's not gonna drop you."

Opening Christmas presents is an important part of a baby's education. And what could be more appropriate than a piggy bank? Claire is certainly focused.

Brianna loves her little dolly that says "I love you." She says, "Hurry up and take the picture. It's playtime.

"Yes, Brianna. One day soon you'll have more hair than Great Grandpa!"

Brianna says, "I don't care who has the most hair-- I LOVE him!"

Babies Claire and Brianna and all the rest of us know how much Great Granpa Marvin Loyd loves us all!

Us Seniors start winding the party down long before midnight. Many old friendships have been renewed, the babies have met many more people who will always love them, and we have another year's worth of fond memories, as good as gold.