ANOTHER SKIMPY CHRISTMAS -- DAY 20

This being the Sunday before Christmas, Pastor Shangle, the roving minister, presented the service. Because of Ina and Bertha’s Sunday school lessons, the congregation was prepared to receive the pastor’s learned message on the biblical symbols of Christmas.

Little Sadie sat between her Grandma Ina and her mother on the church bench. It was hard for her to sit still, but she did her best. Ina tried not to feel prideful, but if you’re a grandparent, that little one wears a halo.

After the service, Ina and family hurried home because Pastor and Mrs. Shangle had accepted their invitation to Sunday dinner. The Shangles had known Ethel since she was a teenager and were anxious to visit with her. The meal was wonderful and finished with another of Shirley’s delicious mincemeat pies. As the Shangles took their leave, Ina handed them some gingerbread cookies and other baked goods. In those days, such gifts were most appreciated.

Sadie was tired and ready for an early night. Once she was in her pajamas and robe, she snuggled by Grandpa Jack in the rocking chair by the fireplace and he told her story about Christmas back in Iowa when he was a boy. She was asleep before he finished, and Ethel carried her upstairs to bed.

[This bench at our pond is one of the pews from the church at the Gilbert Cemetery where Ina and family attended services. When the church was razed in the 1980 time frame, a bench was delivered to each of the longtime families of this community. Mike and I moved it from the porch to the pond, where it was picturesque but deteriorated in the weather. Soon it will be on the burn pile. I have no regrets. My dad was pleased for the gesture. Time goes on.]