By Bruce Stambaugh
The holidays brought it all into perspective. We were celebrating a lot of “lasts” in Ohio. On the outside, I may have been smiling and laughing my way through the gayeties. Internally, my spirit struggled to stay afloat in a torrent of tears.
My wife Neva and I have spent our entire lives as residents of Ohio. I like to tell people that I was born and raised in Canton but that I grew up in Holmes Co. I think my wife feels the same way. We cherished our experiences in this peaceful, rural community. Nevertheless, we joyously anticipate the transplant to Virginia.
The topsy-turvy ride on the emotional roller coaster began last fall. I’m a big picture person, and I knew the May moving date would roll around sooner rather than later. Closure needed to come to my various community commitments. I also knew it wouldn’t necessarily be easy.
As the year wound down, several last events were rapidly approaching. I thought about what I would be facing. The list of “lasts” was long and involved both personal and community commitments.
Reality soon hit hard. Long-held traditions were coming to an end.
Serving in those two worlds brought me great satisfaction. But I knew they successfully could go on without me.
I feared the gatherings of family and those of friends who felt like family members would be the most difficult to face. On the one hand, I lovingly anticipated our get-togethers. On the other, it saddened me to know that this would be the last of its kind. I savored each moment and each situation.
The passing of parents on both sides had taught me that traditions of family gatherings could indeed change and still uplift. Grandchildren were now adults establishing their own lives and traditions. Adjustments had been happening for years already.
Probably the most challenging tradition to end was with our dear lifetime friends Dave and Kate. Dave and I went to elementary, junior high, high school, and college together. He was my best man at our wedding.
Their children and ours were close in age and played together growing up. Many moons ago we started to meet for Christmas Eve breakfast. At first, we met at local restaurants. Then we began to meet in our homes, alternating years hosting the event.
We shared food, fellowship, goofy gifts, and the strongest love of life anyone could imagine. As time passed, the children became adults, began careers, established homes, and some had children of their own. However, this breakfast was so sacred even those who lived far away made it a priority to attend.
In his contemplative prayer before the meal, Dave’s voice broke with emotion in recognition of this poignant finality. The moment acknowledged our mutual appreciation for our revered personal and family friendships.
Dave’s heartfelt words comforted my crying soul. His grateful thanks had blessed much more than the morning’s food. Lifetime friends are like that.
© Bruce Stambaugh 2017
Roadkill Crossing 
Blessing to you on your new life change! Having recently retired, we find ourselves “out of sorts” with what had been family traditions. But…we have formed new traditions and have the memories of the old traditions to hold tight. You’ll be fine and you and your friends just need to do Christmas breakfast at a different time and location!! This year we journeyed to Jekyll Island for Christmas and last year we joined our son in Oregon for the holiday. New traditions can be fun and heart-warming!!
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Thanks so much for your comments, Claudia. I’m sure we’ll settle into new traditions just as you have.
Blessings,
Bruce
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Think of all new adventures ahead for you and Neva
Marjorie King
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Thanks, Marge. We are looking forward to all the unknowns ahead. There are lots of things to do, and plenty of good folks to share the adventures, plus the grandkids.
Bruce
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Have you sold your Holmes County home yet? Don’t forget to let me know your new address for reunion notices, which will probably be this summer for a birthday bash.
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Mary Ann,
Yes, our house is sold. I’ll be writing more about the moving process in the future.
I’ll be certain to send you my address once we’re moved.
Blessings,
Bruce
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Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I’m confident that your gregarious nature will lead to the building of new friendships at your new location and the joy you experience in serving will not be snuffed out.
Praying God’s continued blessings on you, Neva and family.
PS let the professionals do all the heavy lifting in the move…
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Thanks so much, Greg, for your encouraging words. Indeed, we’ve already made contact with the movers, and are well through the down-sizing process. Just ask our son and daughter, who we’re foisting much of the family stuff onto.
Blessings,
Bruce
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Thanks again, Kevin, for the link.
Bruce
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Will enjoy your continuing comments from “wherever”! Please do not stop writing.
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Thanks, Trudy. I’ll do my best.
Bruce
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You’re very lucky to have had those deep personal relationships in the community where you worked. But the new challenge will be exciting.
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Yes, we have been fortunate on both counts. I am grateful for all the friends, opportunities, and support shown to us over all these years.
Bruce
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