It’s not a list of wants or needs.

Not a list of who to buy for.

Not a list of ingredients, cookies to bake or candies to make.

It’s not a “to-do” list at all.

It is a living list.

Names of family and friends.

Loved ones who’ve touched our lives deeply and

I can only hope that in some small way we’ve touched them back.

This living list, changes from year to year.

We’ve moved, relocated and taken it with us.

To keep in touch and stay connected we exchange addresses.

Promised to write if only once a year.

The list evolves.

New friends and occasionally, new family members are added.

Updates celebrate new homes and opportunities for many.

The list has grown again this year.

But sadly, a few of the names on the list are no longer with us.

They’ve moved or faded or passed away.

My grandmother’s name will forever hold her place on the list.

The memories remain.

It’s not really just a list.

A timeline of bonds formed and relationships that withstand the changes in life.

A reminder and remembrance of those who

Regardless of the miles between us or the years gone by

Are held close to my heart

Not just this Christmas season

But each day throughout the year

Each year, the list is alive.

~

Love elephant and want to go steady?

Sign up for our (curated) daily and weekly newsletters!

~

~

Author: Molly Ruby

Editor: Ashleigh Hitchcock

Photo: courtesy of the author