The Gathering

Grandma and Grandpa Walls Janie and Tom in their familiar place. 

Photos by

  
Margaret Walls  

Written by 
LeRoy Walls 
CEO 

Grandpa, who my Dad always called "Pop," put the stoker back under the stove and sat down in his favorite chair. Even though sunshine was streaming through the windows, he always liked sitting close to a warm stove. He took the Prince Albert can of tobacco out of his overall pocket. After opening the lid, he carefully poured and packed the loose tobacco into his pipe. As he puffed to get it lit the smell of Prince Albert mixed pleasantly with the aroma coming from the kitchen.

Grandma had just taken a fresh batch of sugar cookies from the oven. After placing them on the table to cool she dusted off her apron and joined Grandpa in the living room.

She adjusted the pillow on her rocking chair, sat down and at the same time brought the chair into her familiar rocking motion. Grandma had finished fixing her part of the meal. She knew that each family member coming would bring not only their own individual personality but also something to nourish and strengthen the gathering.

Time no longer meant much to Grandpa but out of habit, he took out his pocket watch, wound it and compared it to the big clock in the corner. From his armchair he could see the dogwoods in bloom. It seemed that this new season was the best of them all.

Everything was ready. Grandpa got up and walked to the door. There was no hurry but still he checked the road with anticipation. Both he and Grandma loved having their family close to them.

Aunt Gillie, some of my uncles and cousins and my sister, Joyce Elaine, had already arrived. Grandma reminded all of them that the rest of the family still had things to do. They would be joining them just as soon as they were finished. The whole family would be coming along as their work was done.

The entire family will be together again, here at the gathering.

12/31/1999