Z is for Zest by Conlee Ricketts #atozchallenge

is for Zest

It feels like a hundred years ago, but one Christmas I got a gift from my grandmother wrapped in holiday alphabet paper: A is for Angel, B is for Bedtime, all the way to Z is for Zestful.  I memorized that list that year and had my parents quiz me constantly.  I recited the list so many times that year waiting for Christmas morning when I could finally unwrap my gift that my mom, dad, and brother also knew the entire list: R is for Rocking Horse; S is for Stocking.

My dad saved that paper and it became a Christmas tradition when the decorations came out to see if we could remember all the letters.  My mom used to enjoy this the most.  I can still remember her being the first one as the holiday approached to start the list, “A is for Angel…” she’d begin, “Let’s see…B is for…boxes?”

Over the next twenty years as would be expected the paper started to tear so my dad, able to find three A to Z panels, had them framed; one for me, my brother, and Mom.  It was always a grand accomplishment if we could all collectively get to Z is for Zestful without any cheating and peeking at the paper. 

The best part of still having my forty year old framed wrapping paper is the fact that although my mom died when she was just 59—a mere ten years older than I am today—I can still hear her voice prompting us all, “Let’s see… A is for Angel…” and laughing as we would all compete to see who came up with the next letter/word combo fastest. 

So here’s a toast to me, my mom, my memories, and to anyone who has made it from A to Z with me on my 26 Days to Practice Peace for even a portion of the journey.  I’m feeling a bit zestful having made new friends through your comments, and I have learned a lot about myself by reading those comments. 

This was a wonderful month for me and I owe it to the people in my life and in my comments that helped me learn, grow, and get to this final letter.

Thank you.

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