Our Christmas tree and mantle are now decorated, just in time for my for me to host this year’s National Charity League (NCL) holiday gathering.
I’m looking forward to the party but have to admit that it feels a little bittersweet. This is my daughter’s senior year of high school and our last NCL holiday gathering.
As members of NCL for the last six years, Kendall and I have worked together on many outreach projects, including our personal holiday favorite – adopting a family.
With Kendall active in school and gymnastics, and my busy work schedule, being part of NCL ensured that we spent time together having fun while also giving back to our community. These are fun memories my daughter and I will always share. Plus, being involved with NCL has been a great way for me to stay connected with local friends and meet new ones, too.
Kids do that – they help us connect with our community in ways we might not without them. At least that is the way it is in Lafayette.
Consider, for example, the story of our Silver Tip Christmas tree.
Our tree arrived by special delivery earlier this week, as in years past, with the help of Lafayette-resident Mike Davis. Mike is the grandson of the horticulturalist who purchased East Bay Nursery back in the 1940’s. That man was Mike’s mother’s father. Today, the nursery remains a family business owned by the Davis family (pretty cool).
I grew up in Lafayette with Jenny, Mike’s wife. Mike, Jenny and I all went to Campolindo High School. In fact, Sassy, our golden retriever, was the puppy of one of Jenny’s dogs! Our daughters met one another at school, having no idea of this history, and have been close friends ever since. Their friendship reconnected our families.
I love that the Silver Tip tree that so beautifully decorates our home this season reminds my family of these connections and the strength of Lafayette roots!