Reflections on Christmas 2003: family snapshots
Samuel Hudgens, Kaye Pilmore, Sue Lounds.

A rambunctious 20-month-old, high-energy toddler; close-knit family, bound by a circle of love; and a much-admired local lady facing life-altering challenges with typical style and grace – these are among the portraits that were etched in my memory book during Christmas 2003.

It might seem odd that this trio of individuals – none of whom are related to me or each other – would capture my attention during this season that is so highly family-orientated, but that was the case during the past week.

The fact that each one helped magnify the spirit of Christmas is a testimonial of sorts to an idea that becomes more and more firmly planted in my mind with each passing year – we are all really one family where joy and sorrow form a common bond, a shared experience. There is a Sam, a Sue, a Kaye in every family, everywhere.

Sam made a pit stop at the office this past Tuesday after a visit to Briggs Library and before lunch with his dad, Dave Hudgens, (the News sales manager) and assorted siblings. It was pretty obvious that the spirit of the season was upon little Sam – ‘little’ being somewhat misleading since the on-the-go toddler looks nearly as big as his three-year-old brother, Mason.

Sam clearly needed food and a nap, based on the volume level of the wails being produced. It was that ability to express feelings so openly that captured by imagination and created a ‘holiday snapshot.’ Wouldn’t it be nice to take a few minutes like Sam did and just scream at the top of our voices during the mad holiday rush to complete ‘must-do’ lists? Or, perhaps in a more ‘adult’ fashion, at least slow down and stop for a bit – take some time to reflect on what this season is supposed to be about.

Sam provided a valuable lesson for me as I contemplated all the duties left to complete with under 24 hours remaining until the Christmas Eve dinner and gift exchange was set to start. It’s okay to let go once in a while – scream and shout in either happiness or sadness - or sit quietly and do nothing. In fact, it’s more than okay – it’s a necessity we all need to indulge in on a regular basis.

The holiday snapshot of Sue also took place on Tuesday – it was not a pleasant image. Sue’s face registered sorrow, agony – and strength of character. She had come to the office to finish up her sportswriting duties for the week after spending the early morning hours with other Lounds’ family members at the bedside of her sister-in-law, Julianne. The prognosis for the young wife and mother of eight was not good.

The probability that Christmas would not be spent with the immediate family, Greg and the children, gathered at their home with Julianne did not dampen their holiday spirit or dim their faith – if anything, it made the candle of hope grow brighter.

Sue talked about the incredible strength that the family possessed – that internal, spiritual fortitude that carries and lifts individuals in the face of adversity and through harrowing circumstances. She marveled at their focus and their faith.

Julianne did pass away later that day - what a Christmas message their love expressed. What a beautiful memory.

A telephone conversation on Christmas Eve with Kaye produced a similar feeling of awe and amazement. Her voice radiated hope and joy – despite the fact that she was lying in a hospital bed, anticipating a grueling schedule of physical therapy that will allow her to regain mobility with a prosthetic ‘new’ foot.

"I guess that the Lord wanted me to learn something new – teach me a new lesson," Kaye said in her effervescent voice – not a hint of self-pity registering at all.

Then, in typical ‘Kaye’ fashion, she questioned my own frame of mind, noting that this Christmas – the first since the death of my father – would surely produce a feeling of sorrow. Her concern for my well-being at a time of her own personal angst provided a final holiday snapshot – self-less giving, the true meaning of Christmas exemplified.

While time spent over the holidays with my own ‘real’ family has produced many, many lovely photographs – both real images captured on film, and held in my mind’s eye – the snapshots created by these three people helped to define Christmas 2003.

Thanks, Sam, Sue and Kaye