Daniel Gwynn Blog Update
Date: 12/16/12
Subject: "Remembering Mom-mom"

Today has been a time of mourning, anger and protest, but I'm still remembering Grandma (Mom-mom) as the holiday draws near. I really didn't feel much like celebrating this Christmas, but remembering Mom-mom has spurred me into action. I want to honor her memory and celebrate the love and support she showed me during her life. Besides, I know that she would want me to be happy and to make the best of things. So I've decorated my cell with Christmas cards, old and new, and have mailed out as many cards as I could. Although this should be every day, I wanted to express my deep appreciation and love to all of my friends and family.

I remember a time when I used to snuggle up close to my Mom-mom on the sofa and watch sit-coms and movies celebrating Christmas. She would toss a shoe or tap us with her cane to get us to behave and watch the show. It was usually "The Jefferson", "Good Times", or "Sanford and Son" on the small picture tube entertaining us.

There were also times when she got us to help her decorate the house, directing us with her cane to get the tree to the right spot. I recall her hearty laughter as we fumbled about or the menacing tone when we had made a mess of things during a fight.

There was also the church's Christmas pageant we had to prepare for. The Gwynn kids were always first to volunteer. We'd have to memorize a poem or scripture, and she would help as we stumble through. And she was there in the pew to cheer us on when it was time to stand in front of the congregation to deliver our lines.

I used to sneak down the stairs to see what gifts she was wrapping up for me. She had me believing that all I was getting was a pair of socks and underwear. To my surprise, she had hid my real present, knowing that I would try to sneak a peek. I'd run to her to give her a big hug and kiss, thanking her for the wonderful gift she could not afford. She always made Christmas very special for me. So I celebrate in honor of my Mom-mom.

Daniel Gwynn