Hello dear friends, I hope that you have all had a Merry Christmas season. If you have returned to Big Balls Of Holly to hear a vintage Christmas record, I have no record to post today. Sadly, on December 22 my friend Jim lost his mother, Catherine. Today I am writing to Jim.
Jim, I feel your sorrow. Though I have never met your mother, I know her well. I know her because we have been friends these many years. I know her because we have shared gaiety and grief, laughter and silence, prelude and crescendo. I knew her when we traded jokes in Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop in Old New Orleans. I knew her when we played pinball in Chicago during prohibition. I know her because I have listened to you sing, because I have heard her songs, because you sculpt with your father's hands and with your mother's clay. Without your mother there is no photo on the album cover. Without your mother there are no phones in Metairie, Louisiana! Without your mother I am just pouring my tea onto the table.
Jim, your next Christmas will be your first Christmas. Christmas will be a time of reflection, when you thoughts will dwell on your mother and your loss, but does that make Christmas a time for sadness? It is my wish for you that what is important at Christmas come more sharply into focus and what is less important fade away and that your memories of your mother bring joy to you always.
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