The full moon will come during the night tonight (November
27-28, 2012) for us in North America, and it comes with some interesting
features. That is, in 2012, the November full moon gives the world its smallest
full moon of the year – and in North America, a subtle, penumbral eclipse of
the moon before sunrise November 28. Meanwhile, those in the world’s Eastern
Hemisphere – Europe, Africa, Asia, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand – will
see this penumbral lunar eclipse after sunset November 28. A penumbral eclipse
is not very dramatic…just a shading of the moon.. so don’t wake up expecting to
see a red moon or a big black bite taken out of it.
I remember running outside with John and Lauren when they were
in grammar school to see an eclipse …but we have so many trees in our yard it
was impossible…they were very cute lying in the grass trying to see it though,
and we did it every single time an eclipse occurred...which brings me to my
story of the month.
My parents have sold their house and moved to Florida. This move
caused them to downsize and they gave away a lot of their “stuff”. My gift was
not one that I would ever have chosen, rather it was chosen for me by my son
years and years ago when we were all sitting around my mom’s dining room table
and she asked us what we would want from her house when she moved. While
everyone was pondering their wish list 13 year old John piped up with “ I want
this table”. I was shocked…at his speedy response and the bold choice! I asked
him why the heck would you want the table? He quickly replied that he would
like the table because when he used it he would be able to remember all the fun
times we had as a family. Needless to say, no one was able to top that response
… but what struck me was that a little boy would …or could…come up with such
insight! It was stunning and really silenced us all!
Well, that table is now sitting in my kitchen and I think of
John every time I set it…the kid who knew at such an early age that the
memories you create are important and matter. I hope that my grandchildren
think the same of me…that I took the time to make them feel loved. I don’t
think John cared about the actual food. I KNOW he didn’t give a hoot about the
china or the linens…it was the love he felt, the laughs and the feeling of
belonging to a group…and that is what I wish for you this holiday. I hope that
you can find a way to impart that feeling to those you love…because it is a
gift worth spending the time to cultivate. It is not easy, you have to adapt as
life moves on…but if you keep your mission one of establishing a loving and
accepting home you may be lucky enough to have someone ask for your table
someday! Much love to you all and my sincere wishes that you are successful
with this one!
