There are moments in our lives that move us. Moments that quietly present us with a gift so magical that they weave a permanent place in our hearts.
Listening carefully and quietly, we may notice these unforgettable moments shouting as if to say, “Hey, slow down! I’m about to do something grand, so live in the NOW because you won’t want to miss this.”
Last night, I had such moments. And as they busily attached themselves to my heart, I realized they would sum up best what my past year has been about.
Blessings.
My son was born in 1992, and this month he turned 21. At birth, my father, a wine aficionado, knew that 1992 was a great year for vintage port. He presented us, and our infant son, with a case of it, and affixed a handmade sign to the top of the crate that looked something like this:
Dad attached this sign to the case of port, his gift to our son the year he was born
Through the years, we’ve talked of how this vintage port will taste after 21 years, how luscious its fruity flavors will feel on our tongues, and how we’d marvel at its rich and velvety texture.
Carefully decanting the port to remove any sediment
The anticipation was palpable.
The moment had finally arrived.
Last night, we dined on Chinese food at my parents' apartment. It was an intimate and informal gathering of the five of us.
For me, the show's stars were not the food or the conversation. It was not the pleasantries exchanged, the sports scores watched, or the discussion about The Kennedy Center honorees.
As we slowly sipped our first taste of this extraordinary port, I drank in the moments that presented to me as a perfect year-end gift.
I lovingly watched these two men talk and sip, being ever so mindful to realize what was happening.
While everyone is busy publishing their year-end reviews, “best” of series, top 10 lists, what they did, and who they spoke and collaborated with in 2013, my post is very simple.
Grandfather and grandson, 2013
It’s about a boy and his grandfather and the opening of a cherished bottle of vintage port.
It’s about two of the blessings I have in my life. And their gift to me is a new patch on my heart.
What are your blessings?
Lovely. You are so right about special memories.
My blessings, like yours, are my sons. I had one here with me this weekend and it was good. He was diagnosed with Stage 2 Melanoma this summer; days after his 32nd birthday. It was early, they got it all but it's impossible not to worry about a reoccurrence. He's a young father with another baby on the way--and he lost his dad, tragically, 2 months earlier. It has been a tough year. And yet we are looking ahead with plans and hopefulness while relishing the present. That is my blessing.
Beautiful... That made me cry happy tears! Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy new year!
Cathy this is just a gorgeous post!! Thank you. Happy Birthday to your son and a very Happy New Year to you and your family. Wishing you many more nights of enjoying family and port. 🙂
Beautiful!
Beautiful. This brought a tear to my eyes. Cheers to you and your family for healthy and blessed new year.
A beautiful story, and a wonderful way to welcome a new baby into the family! I'll confess in advance of the fact: I'm going to steal this idea.
Just beautiful.
I love this! What a lovely was to honor a 21st birthday. Th photo of Jordan and your dad is just priceless. Perfect post to close out the year.
Wow, I choked on that one. What a beautiful moment. Today is my grandmother's death anniversary and when she was still around she always said she would be there to watch me graduate from college, unfortunately she never made it. She died 4 months before my graduation day.
You and your son are very blessed indeed. Wishing you a wonderful new year!
I love this. Simply love this idea your father had and that your favorite people got to enjoy this moment of magic. What a wonderful tradition he started. Happy New Year!
Oh, such a beautiful post. Made me tear up. Thanks for the reminder about what's of real value at the end of the day. We're getting older and every moment of connection like this is a precious gift. Hugs.
Perfect.
What a brilliant idea, a way to span decades and connect with each other.
Thanks for sharing this, Cathy!
Lovely post to end 2013 Cathy. You are lucky to have such wonderful men in your life. You gave me a nice cry. 🙂
Oh, cheers to a beautiful post, a beautiful story. So much better than a "best of" rundown. Love this — and you — my friend.
Happy New Year to you and yours!
A beautiful and touching story, Cathy! And....how was the port?!
What a beautiful story. So much to celebrate, and how special that your dad and son were able to enjoy that gift together. Here's to many more happy traditions and memories in 2014. xo
Your story brought tears to my eyes. Brava!
Cathy, I have been a faithfully follower of your blog. You always inspire me and bring a smile to my face. Happy New Year! Cheers
[…] grandfather.” Dad never expected to be around! So we all toasted together with my parents and I wrote a post about it. It’s still my most popular post. And my favorite and most […]
[…] grandfather.” Dad never expected to be around! So we all toasted together with my parents and I wrote a post about it. It’s still my most popular post. And my favorite and most […]