In a message dated 12/26/01 9:16:06 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> Yes, it's the day AFTER Christmas. Yesterday was a day of family for me. So > grateful to be able to enjoy it. > > And I'm also so grateful for my JMDL family. I hope 2002 brings all joy, > love, peace and prosperity. > > Yes, I've heard the JT version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." > Boy can he sing! So much warmth and emotion in his voice. I was driving and > had to pull over to listen. The line "Through the years we all will be > together if the fates allow" gets me every time... > > HAPPY BIRTHDAY GREG!!! > > Yes, he can really sing from his heart now can't he Annie. I went to Borders yesterday hoping I could find it. Does anyone know if this going to be released at any time? I'd settle for just the single, or maybe Bob can burn it for me somehow on my next Joni bootleg or covers request? ;~) Christmas has always been an emotional time for me. Many of the older listers know, I suffered a great deal of loss at this time of year. I lost my brother Richard on Xmas Eve 3 years ago and my Mom on the 21st, 6 years ago, so these painful memories always puts a damper on this joyous occasion. So yesterday I bravely go over to my Aunt Rose's house where the whole Coppola clan gathers for dessert. Now mind you I have a LARGE Italian family. My mother, Angelina was the first born of nine children, of which 3 are deceased. I have 18 cousins on that side of the family and their spouses and children. There were canoles, cheesecakes, cream puffs....mamma mia!! I think I gained back the 8 pds I've lost over these very stressful months. The house reeks of cigarette smoke and the 13 fishes meticulously cooked by Aunt Rose the day before. (she's the younger sister, but the keeper of all of Grandma's recipes) So here we go and I can barely get my coat off and I'm being squeezed to smithereens but Aunt Rosie. I try to make my way through to den where all the "men" are gathered with "The Godfather" airing on the TV, when out of the corner of my eye I see my 85 yr. old Uncle Mike is heading straight towards me. Now I'm a little concerned because he's a little unsure of his steps, but impressed that he's made such an effort. Here's a man who use to be cold as ice mainly due to his wife leaving him many years ago. OK, so now we're all seated at the dining room table which has been extended many lengths into the living room with the delicacies I mentioned earlier. I'm babbling away about something and Uncle Mike looks over to me and says"Ya know I can't look you in the eye, you look just like your moth...He breaks down and starts bawling his eyes out. His only child Jerry Sue sitting next to him comforting him. He leaves the table to compose himself. So now we're all left feeling a little depressed. I try to come up with some philosophical words of healing. And so this is Christmas... The rest of my cousins arrive. Dolores who is seemingly a survivor of breast cancer lightens the load with her bubbly laughter and we start getting down to some drinks, smiles and a cozy fire. She and Mario are having us all over New Year's Eve to forget 2001 and celebrate the New Year with family and friends so dear. Good health, happiness and love will be the toast this year. Thanks for letting me ramble on. oh and happy birthday Gregg! Love you dude ;~) Much love to my extended family, Rose NP: Carey w/Kakki, Nikki, Alison, Claudia,Leslie, Kristine and Chris M.
