It’s Different Now

During my childhood years, my sisters, Cheryl Masterson, Caryl Reed, Alena Stevens, Allyn Hadlock, and I always knew where we would spend New Year’s Eve…and where our parents, Allen and Collene Spencer would spend theirs too. New Year’s Day was our mom’s birthday, and Dad loved to make it all a big deal. So, they threw a party and invited their friends and family. Because my sisters and I were there too, our cousins also came with their parents. That way it was fun for everyone, and no one needed a babysitter. Our little house was jam packed full of people and the party often flowed out into the yard, both front and back.

Those New Year’s Eve parties continued for the rest of Mom’s life, and beyond too. While there have been a few years without them, most years we had some kind of a party, but after mom passed, and since Dad had been gone for eight years by then, the parties were different…even while she was still with us. I remember one party in particular, when Mom was feeling a bit sad. You see, she and Dad always danced on New Year’s Eve, but Dad wasn’t there to dance anymore. Enter Jason Sawdon, my niece Jessi’s husband. Standing was difficult for Mom without a walker. That didn’t matter to Jason. He held her up in his strong arms so, she could have her New Year’s Eve dance that year. It was such a precious moment…one that my sisters and I will never forget.

These days, both Mom and Dad are in Heaven, as is our sister, Alena, so the party will be different again. Alena didn’t always come to the New Year’s Eve parties, but we always knew that she was here, on Earth. Now, she isn’t. Nevertheless, I know that she is watching the festivities with Mom and Dad from Heaven. The party will be different again, because that is just the way it is as time marches on. Things change. People are added to the family, and people leave to go to Heaven. Nevertheless, we are still a family, and I know that Mom and Dad are very pleased to see their descendants gathering together to bring in another year. While it’s different, it is always worth looking forward to. Each new year is worth looking forward to. It is a gift from God. So, here’s to 2026. Happy New Year everyone!! May the coming year be better than the last year.