A lot of people are shopping today and searching for holiday bargains. I just don’t have time to shop. I need to spend some time taking inventory, because I am crying inside for a young man today. I suppose I should explain…

In response to my recent blog about family tradtions a few days ago, a long time friend responded by sharing the following story about her daugther’s boyfriend. The young man’s mother is wrapped up in her own issues, and his father is in the process of divorcing from his stepmother. I have changed his name and pertinent details to protect his privacy. Here is her reply to my blog entitled: The Smells and Tastes of Home.

I asked Greg the day before Thanksgiving if his family had any must have traditoinal dishes for the holidays. He looked at me with this odd look, and said no… It was almost stated in the form of a question. I said: no special pie, no dips, nothing like that? He said: Well my dad is mostly good at grilling. I asked him if there was something he wanted me to make. He said: Yeah, your queso. I was already making it, since ya know, it is a tradition… But it stuck with me all night and I couldn’t get over how much tradition actually plays a part in this whole holiday stuff and how it brings this warm, cozy feeling. It made me want to give Greg a big hug and say: Here…have some of my traditions, I will share. Then I was thankful for us moms out there who do the traditional thing and make it to where our kids are mad when they come home and there is no pumpkin dump cake. But I was thankful for dads who are mostly good at grillling too.

My heart was touched by her comments. You really need to know this friend of mine who had the conversation with her daughter’s boyfriend. She really means it when she says: Here have some of my traditions, I will share. That boy has been adopted, whether he knows it or not. She will give him motherly advice whether he asks for it or not. And he will get a dose of the truth in a form that will likely embarrass her daughter .

But most importantly, she will share a lot more with him than just a batch of homemade queso. She will be the first to tell you that she no angel when she was a teenager. I know, because I was beside her stirring up trouble when we were in high school. Life experiences have made her more compassionate and kind. That young man will be loved and nurtured unconditionally. I wonder if my friend realizes that she is making a lifelong impact in that young man’s life?

I need to take inventory today. There is someone within my sphere of influence whom I need to say: Here, have some of my traditions, I will share. Who is that person in my life? Who is it in your life? Don’t let this holiday season go by without sharing some traditions.