My Walk for Mom

This Christmas will be quite different as we face many firsts without Mom. We plan to be here Christmas day and then off to Newcastle for Boxing Day. If you were present at the funeral, you may recall a story that I shared about when I was 15, on December 23, 1986, I inadvertently borrowed my mother’s keys without her permission and she was to come to town to pick me up after an appointment. I pleaded with my mother to borrow a car and pick me up. My mom, in her determined manner said “No, I think you should learn a lesson from this. You need to walk home alone.” I was soooo upset. I got off the phone and began walking from town. The more I walked the more upset I got. 2 days before Christmas and in the dead of winter, she made me walk home alone. As the years went by, I’d always call my mom on December 23 and say, “Hey mom did you remember what happened on this date x number of years ago?”… and she always did. We would joke about it and I must admit, as the years went by, the story got a little bigger and embellished a bit more. Not sure how high the snow banks really were or if in fact I was barefoot and walking up hill the whole way. But Mom would always laugh and say, “Are you ever going to let that go?” Mom was at home and made me walk alone. Well, now my mom once again is home….finally free from pain and suffering. I’m so happy that her trials are over but once again, it is I who must walk alone. It may sound weird but December 23 to me was something that I shared with my mom. And every year that was just between us. I am actually dreading December 23 this year just as much as Christmas. In thinking what I could do on that day, coming up on the 25th anniversary of my dreaded walk, It only seems fitting that I once again I should walk home. I will make the 9km walk from work to my house in honor and memory of my mom. I’m asking my friends and family to consider supporting $5 or $10 in my efforts so I can make a donation to the Christmas Sharing/Salvation Army for their Christmas Dinner for those less fortunate, which is something my mom would have wanted..
Well, as you gather this holiday season with your family and friends, remember the reason we celebrate. Embrace your family and Embrace the savior, God’s gift to mankind, his Son. Merry Christmas from The Mackay’s.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/215341645192410/