SubscribeCounting my blessings
My parents both worked very hard, but they played hard, too. They loved fun, and we were doubly blessed because they not only educated us well, but also exposed us to all types of recreation.
We took dance, piano, music and art lessons, and we went horse-back riding and ice skating. Every Christmas was beautiful and we received exquisite gifts that I wish dearly that I’d held onto.
There were books and toys, and they bought each of my two sisters and me individual gifts to suit our interests. Mom bought me Madame Alexander dolls. My other favorites included ice skates, and they frequently took us to the rink. As we got older, they gave us clothes and jewelry, and once Dad bought me an exquisite maxi-coat, which I kept for years and cut into a midi as the styles changed. It was navy blue and had a beautiful red plaid scarf, and I sure wish I had it now. (Photo at left by David Locket.)
And they’d always buy a game for the entire family. 
Over the years, there were several Monopoly sets, because no matter how hard we tried, the pieces always got lost. Sunday evenings after dinner, the five of us would spend hours playing Monopoly in front of the fireplace, sipping hot chocolate. (Photo at right by HouseLight.)
As we got older, Mom insisted that we save our allowances to buy or make other people’s gifts. And among my most cherished memories are the bookmarks that we made from felt and glitter.
Today, my mate Natu and I celebrate Kwanzaa and continue the tradition of making gifts and giving books, games and creative gifts to the children. (Photo below by bon _here.)
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