Recognize a Mentor

This year my husband and I are gearing up for our first Christmas in our own home in 18 years! Ever since we went to college, we’ve been going to other people’s homes and participating in other people’s traditions. Now all of the sudden we have to figure out what we want to do and what memories we want to create for our daughter.

That’s why I was so happy and touched to come across this article by my friend Kerry Colburn. She stresses the importance of actively choosing traditions that are meaningful for you and your family, rather than going through the motions of Christmases past.

As a result, we’re focusing on some best-of traditions from both sides of our family: Drury rosettes, Taylor “hour gifts” (one gift per hour instead of a frantic hurricane), LaGow Tom and Jerrys, and our own new creation, a special Sue gift for Szaba. (This year we’ll give her a hardcover copy of Frog and Toad All Year in honor of our new holiday theater day tradition.)

Kerry’s article got me thinking … This wasn’t the first time I’d stumbled upon a Kerry endeavor that helped give me clarity and peace.

When I had the blues and was confused last winter, coping with Sue’s death, someone referred me to Kerry’s book workshop. That 4-hour experience helped me realize my desire to help others in my situation—thus resulting in my book project and this blog.

Kerry also wrote a couple of great parenting books, which helped me swap out my new-mom stress for practicality and fun. You can bet that when I discovered my baby sister was expecting her own baby, I got her those books, too.

So today I would like to publicly thank the insightful Ms. Colburn. I’m a better writer, woman, and mother because you’re in my life directing me at the sign posts.

Thank you, Kerry!

Want to give your own shout out to someone who’s positively influenced you? Whether you do so here or in person, on the phone, or via e-mail, make sure the people helping you know how much they’re appreciated!

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