My mother passed away a few years ago, and this decoration seems to be the strongest tie I have to her. It is my very first Christmas ornament and given to me by my mother. Every year, mom and I had always looked forward to putting Christmas ornaments on the tree together, and we saved our “first ornaments” for last. So now every time I see this ornament, I have a longing for the house I grew up in and the memories that are tucked away in it.

Mike