The Season to Remember

I have lots of first cousins, more second cousins and yes, thirds as well! Our family has always been 'close' over the years. It was just a Davis 'kinda thang' I guess. Forget the handshakes, we're a huggin' family. Doesn't matter how short or how long you've known us, get ready...you're going to be hugged!
Each summer (when I was a little girl) on the old Freedman dairy, we had cousins who'd come from the coast to visit! Bobby (Roubion) was one of the best. He'd come and he and Jim would hang out and work the 'wash barn' down the slight hill from the big 'ol white Parlor Barn.
They'd bring the cows in, stantion 7 or 8 at a time and run the wash rag over those big, full 'o milk bags, prepping the cows to walk the upward inclined ramp to fill a stantion and feed while the machine played a ryhtmical tune with them. The wash barn had exposed beams, old wood, tin, etc. and all the cousins and Jimmy carved their secrets and their names in those pieces.
One of the treasures that Bobby had rescued from that old dairy was one of the very old, rusty milk cans, with it's lid. And, one of the big milk filters that sat atop the can so the milk would funnel into the can.
I had known he had it in his garage for years. I'd beg, threaten and plead almost everytime I saw him. He and Ann lived in Clear Lake near Nancy and Donald...I was around them lots. (Probably more than they cared for!!! lolol) One day when mother and I stopped by Ann and Bob's house on our way home, he smiled and said, "I have something I want to give you." As I wondered what on earth would Bobby have for me, he opened the door to the double wide garage and smiled as he pointed at the antique milk can.
I was in shock! Yes, I took it. He didn't have to tell me twice. It now sits quietly in the front corner of my garage. And, everytime I look at it, I think of Bobby. He was diagnosed one January or February with lung cancer. It was a serious diagnosis with two or three tumors. They treated him for those and everyone held him in vigilent prayer.
It wasn't long until the cancer spread. On one of my stops by their house late that Spring, Bob looked at me, as he sat in his tv chair in the living room there, oxygen line on his face, the concentrator pumping it's rythmic pop and air sound...and he smiled a weak, sweet smile as he asked, "Pat, could you come spend some afternoons with Ann and me? Maybe watch tv with me and make me laugh some. When you're around you always make me smile and you always say funny things."
Touched by his words, I replied, "sure, I can do that, Bob." And, I did. I don't recall how many times I visited, but several. And, with each visit, I could see he had slipped a bit further the 'wrong way.' Towards September, his legs had become diminished and I would help Ann with him. We did watch tv...we sat and said nothing many afternoons, I went to his cancer doctor with them for treatment and I was there just to offer a chance of a smile.
You see, it's the holiday season and we remember so many things. We miss our loved ones and recant the things we did or the things we should have done. But, our lives move forward with a steadfast tempo and we stay the course for the next round.
Bob Roubion has a tremendous family he left behind. He and Ann have four children and many grandchildren these days.
He's just one more example of the Davis Legacy in our strong family. His mother, Aunt Lois, was so close to everyone...and, still is at age 98. No, she can't go freely or send cards or make phone calls. And, no, not all of us see her as frequently as we should, but, one more reason and example of the goodness of family.
There are many examples within the Davis Clan...Bobby was on my mind tonight as I thought of his smile and request for something so very simple. Would you come spend some time with me and make me smile.
It doesn't ever have to be complicated. And, sometimes in the hustle and bustle of every day rituals, I think many of us lose site of the real issue at hand. Slow down, share a smile and make someone (anyone) feel like a million dollars! I'm trying to do more of that these days.
I hope you will also. We've all walked a 'mile'...we've all nurtured our loved ones...and, we've all lost important people from our lives. They're never forgotten, but the lessons we learned from them are rich. As you ponder the season, the love and the things you've experienced, let go of the hassle and fretting the small stuff.
Enrich you life and that of another with a simple Random Act of Kindness. AFter you've done it, give yourself a smile and go to Starbucks!! Celebrate every day in some way...let the small aggravations fly!