Tradition
Teresa posed the question, “What does it mean to be Ringwood?” When I think about that question one thing keeps popping into my brain. Being “Ringwood”, in part, means never being alone. I’m sure there were moments when I was younger that I wanted some alone time but that was pretty much impossible. We shared bedrooms, we walked to school together, we ate dinner as a family…
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate the fact that when I was growing up there was always someone around. I’m sure I took it for granted at the time but if I ever needed anything, my siblings or parents or grandmother were available and ready to help. Like Teresa says, Ringwoods step up or as Kevin Hoercher so eloquently stated at Andrew & Steph’s wedding – family always comes first.
All of this brings me back to traditions. Mom, Dad & Bernie taught us to look out for one another and this has become our “inherited pattern of thought and action”.
Some traditions are established on purpose. Other traditions are accidental. I stumbled onto what has become a family tradition several years ago – the family Christmas CD. I never imagined it would become a tradition! I simply wanted to let all of you know that when I hear a certain song, I have a specific memory involving one of you. The CD was my way of telling you that you are in my mind (and heart) all of the time.
David
3/12/18