December 20, 2013

Christmas Memories

Family learns to ‘stop and smell the roses in life’ thanks to grandpa’s wisdom

By Mark Hummer (Special to The Criterion)

Here are just a few Christmas memories from over the years that I’d like to share:

- Since two of our daughters go to Cardinal Ritter Jr./Sr. High School in Indianapolis, I kick off the Christmas season by helping the students and the teachers unload Christmas trees from trucks at Chapel Hill Shopping Center in the rain, snow and wind.

- Taking in the school’s annual Christmas concert, which features the best of the holiday standards.

- Trying to pass along the theme of giving to our children through the Giving Tree for needy families at St. Christopher Parish in Indianapolis.

- Growing up, my Grandpa Hummer used to play Santa Claus. After he passed away, it was my dad who took over the family tradition.

- The Christmas in 1991 when my wife, Siming, first came to this country from China. My dad took her out to look at the Christmas lights in our hometown, and he told her to “stop and smell the roses in life.” Ever since, she has told that to me and later to our kids.
 

(Mark Hummer is a member of St. Christopher Parish in Indianapolis.) †

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