Parade season is upon us, Christmas parade season. It is always my favorite time of year, traveling from town to town to be a part of their annual festivities. From Waldron, Mansfield, Hackett, Greenwood, Lavaca, Charleston, and Paris–we have folks in attendance capturing the moments we will cherish for another year.
I’ve observed these gatherings of mass townspeople over the years and have saw it through the eyes of the very young to the elderly. It means something different to them all. One thing I have noticed over the years is that the annual parade is a festive reunion.
Let me explain. I remember the old days, the Drug Store was open to passerby’s, and parade attendees. Linda Baggett, and a few others, including my mom, put on a spread. Cakes, pies, breads, you name it. It was lined up for folks to come and enjoy. It was a time for business owners to give back to their beloved community.
It warms my heart to see places like Dave’s Small Engines, and others, continue to give back in this manner. This year, for the first time, we opened our doors at Resident News to visit with folks and share some goodies from Sweet Suzy Q’s. People know my momma makes the best fudge! She loved it, and so did I!
This reunion yields neighbors greeting neighbors with a hug or handshake. It’s the same no matter what small town you come from. It is heartwarming to see and to be a part of it, it is a true gift.
The reality as we age is that there will likely be some you won’t see next year. Life becomes fragile. We learn to tell those we care about we love them. We offer assistance to help in times of need. We exhibit the true gift of Christmas offered to us as baby born in a lowly manger, God in the flesh–LOVE.
This parade season, it is my hope you take a moment to really see and appreciate these moments, cherish one another and extend the grace and mercy given us by Christ, Himself!
