Mary Caruso

  I guess before I can really express my true convictions I have to write just a bit about how I became so resilient.  Especially this time of year, I believe we all look back upon our childhood with so many emotions.  I truly had the most amazing parents anyone can imagine.  

My dad was a business man who had a combined personality of intelligence, wit and compassion.  Even after his passing in 2001 I still have people coming up to me to tell me these wonderful stories about how he helped someone out when they were having difficult times.  He owned an oil company in my hometown of Rocky Hill.  He really was the pillar of the community involved in so many civic organizations.  He was so kind and generous.  We butted heads most of our lives but had a deep connection because we were so much alike.  I still remember the day he was so mad at me I thought his head was going to blow off.  But he never raised a hand to any of us instead he banged on the side of the house so hard I saw the shingles start to fall away!  AHHHH great memories.  My most precious memory is that of taking a trip alone with him in 1994.  I had never done such a thing and we had a blast.  We went to Florida together and I had the wonderful opportunity for the first time to see how much we really were alike.  We talked to everyone and made friends everywhere! Then when we found ourselves snowed in at Newark Airport we made people laugh-and I mean people who were pretty aggravated at the situation.  We were able to turn the mood around and laugh and joke with people in the airport.  I will always cherish that trip as one of the most valuable lessons in my life!

My mom on the other hand was a bit more quiet and reserved.  She was the apitamy of what a mom should be.  Beautiful in spirit and so humble.  Almost every day when I walked in from school her baking bowls and wooden spoons would be out and ready to bake some great new recipe.  She was the wisest woman and had the most insightful advice for many.  We lost her this past June and this season is turning out to be the most challenging for me so far in my life.  My sisters Marcia and Micki and I have still not moved her bathrobe from the hook in the bathroom, somehow it just doesn’t seem final until that is done. Mom had a heart of gold and was the most non judgemental person in the world-truly and genuinely!  She attracted people to her kitchen table her whole life-she was the best cook and was always such a delightful person to sit and talk to.  When I was a child I remember on May day she said to me, “let’s go pick all the may flowers in the back and we will bundle them and surprise people by leaving them at their front door”.  It was such an exciting adventure, and such a simple pleasure.  We had a ball running to our neighbors doors and leaving the anonymos beautifully wrapped bundles of flowers.  Thinking back it was the start of my desire to do acts of kindness and my mom introduced it to me at such a young age.

Together they worked as a team raising my sisters and me in the most wonderful home I could imagine. Marcia, Micki and I recently took time away from the busy season to sit and enjoy lunch together.  It was so wonderful!  We talked about how much our parents cherished family and vowed to see each other at least every other month.  I ask you this week to think about your roots, your parents!  The people who made you who you are today.  Let go of any of the bad stuff (cause there is always bad stuff with the good stuff) and really think about the good stuff. Whether they are here in body or in spirit hold on to that one great memory and place it in your heart!  If you have children try to talk to them about the good stuff that was brought to you and what you bring to them.  

Open your hearts today and enjoy.  May you find love and peace in this day. Oh yes and do something really kind, either to someone you know or maybe someone you come upon- YES even a stranger!  And even if it is just a smile and a hello.  Then comment on it- on how you felt to put yourself out there. Try it!

With Love and Peace & a Merry Christmas to all!

A Wonderful Christmas Day 08!

Always

 Mary