Unfortunately, in our daily existence, we miss or have forgotten many magical moments and treasures because life takes on a life of its own. We all tend to get caught up in business, especially in these times when we can be ‘‘on’’ 24/7.

I remember my grandmother simply sitting in her chair mending socks for hours with no distractions like a blaring TV or vibrating cell phone. She would look up periodically and make mention of how good the sauce smelled or to ask if I wanted some biscotti. Her intermissions from mending were always about eating.

Eating, however, was also done without distraction. She didn’t mend and eat, because that would have been blasphemy.

I have much nostalgia for those moments, and I am hoping by writing about my precious memories that you might share yours.

The holiday season brings hours of advertisements about the latest gadgets and widgets to buy. I understand that getting something new and shiny wrapped in festive paper and ribbons is a viable option for some. However, I encourage you to share the magical moments of the past with your loved ones and friends. We have many treasures to give that cannot be bought. It will take more time than going shopping, but nothing can compare with passing on the treasures of the past.

I suggest you write about some of the wondrous and happy times you might have spent with parents, grandparents or siblings. Include pictures if you have them or recipes. They can be funny or poignant.

So much of my career has been buoyed by stories I have shared about my Italian family. My grandmother often said to me: ‘‘Don’t ever forget me.’’ And I never have. My children have embraced the memories and now share them with their children.Some families may have their share of ogres, but more often than not, moments stand out that left wonderful impressions. Don’t forget them! They cost nothing, but they can mean everything.

By LORETTA LAROCHE
For The Patriot Ledger

Author, humorist, PBS star and Fortune 500 trainer Loretta LaRoche lives in Plymouth. To share your pet peeves, questions or comments, write to The Humor Potential, 50 Court St., Plymouth 02360, send e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , visit the Web site at www.stressed.com , or call toll- free 800-99-TADAH (82324).

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