Egg Nog and Pumpkin Pie

It's been a while since dropped some crumbs, but I'm back.

It's funny how the smallest things can trigger memories. On the surface the last couple of days have been fine, but not really. Yesterday started out fine, but soon went downhill. I think I scared a couple of coworkers with a brief loss of control. Today I almost lost it again, but in a different way. It could be the stress of the last couple of months, or it's just built up over time and now has to find a way out.

Anyone who hasn't felt some stress in this part of the world lately is on some outstanding drugs. My job does nothing to relieve that. In fact it can add a lot more, usually in a hurry. Let's just say they got their money's worth out of me on Friday.

Today was mostly stress free. Grocery shopping was going along just fine, until we got to the dairy aisle. This time of year is one I look forward to and is somewhat embodied by the annual appearance of egg nog. It's just not the holiday season if I haven't had some at least once before the New Year.

As I looked at the bottle in the store I was swamped by memories of holidays past. These happy memories are all centered in Cameron Parish, the place I grew up, and now recovering from the wrath of Rita. The ghost of Christmas past reminded me that those familiar surroundings of the past 27 years are no longer familiar to me. The home that I thought would always be there has been washed away. The living room that has seen so many happy times is inches deep in muck and the furniture tossed around haphazardly. I stood in the store, fighting back tears. I thought I had gotten over the worst of it, but the pain is still there.

Moving through the rest of the store, I discovered a strong desire for pumpkin pie, another seasonal favorite, and usually very comforting. This brought on more memories, and my eyes filled once more. I suppose I will find myself in more moments like this as the year continues.

Now we must look toward the future and make new memories, all while cherishing the old ones. I know I am not alone in this. Families across the Gulf South are struggling with this as well. My family has already made plans to have Christmas at my new home. I'm hoping that everyone who has lost so much finds solace in just being together with loved ones in the coming weeks. Maybe a few will even discover the reason these holidays began.