The Last Christmas.

Patricia Anne Schmitt was born to Ben & Ann Greiner on February 20, 1938 in Huntington Hospital. Pat had an older brother, Bernard Jr, who was 15 months older. Ben's brother, Henry, a lifelong bachelor also lived with them. Uncle Hennie & Grandpa were business partners. They were a close knit family, a family of strong Catholic faith. They lived and operated a potato farm on Cedar Rd. in Commack.

Anthony J. Schmitt Jr. , Tony, was born on February 24, 1935 to Anthony & Cecilia Schmitt in Rosedale , Queens. He was the third of five children, although Carol Anne the fourth died in infancy. They too were a farm family, and faith filled. They eventually migrated east and bought a vegetable farm in Melville, NY, and a home in Farmingdale.

Patricia Greiner was the daughter of a LI potato farmer, and married a LI vegetable farmer, Anthony J. Schmitt Jr, on September 8, 1956 at St. Philip Neri Church in Northport, NY. Pat & Tony quickly became the parents of five youngsters, 3 girls & 2 boys. Pat was a proud mother & wife. It'd be hard to find a better cook and baker, then the woman who resided in a two story brick colonial on Republic Rd. in Melville. Pat & Tony felt it important that all their children receive a Catholic education, all attended Catholic schools , Gr 1 - 12.

They both took a strong interest in their children lives, encouraged strong study habits, attended and cheered on their children in their extracurricular activities, instilled strong work habits at home and on the family farm. Family was very important, not only those in nuclear family, but also those in the large extended families.

Pat took the lead at home and responsibilities of the kid's school & other activities. Tony was busy with his responsibilities on his father's farm, along with his brothers.

Pat knew by name most of her children's friends. Pat & Tony's circle of friends grew by the children's school activities and athletic teams. They had many many friends.

Pat even became a softball coach for her daughter's softball team, without I think even swinging a bat or throwing a ball ever before. They were volunteers at both St. Killian's elementary school and Holy Family Diocesan High School.

The kids graduated and went off to college. Pat and Tony attended graduation ceremonies of the three whom graduated when Pat was still alive. They were proud parents. Eventually, they welcomed sons and daughters-in-laws, and were blessed with 11 grandchildren.

They remained active in all their children's lives. But, then came that fateful Holy Thursday in 2000. Pat was diagnosed with leukemia. She told the doctors that they were wrong,  she wasn't going to die as she had faith in God. Well, she was correct for a period of time,  she went into remission and enjoyed many good months.

The last time I, and my family visited with Mom & family at my parents' home was Thanksgiving 2000. Mom was feeling and looking well. We all prayed that her remission was going to last forever. We had fun family time.

Dad was very hopeful that his beloved wife of 44 years was over the hump, with many many more years together. We said prayers of Thanksgiving, and prayers of asking for good health.

The following month Mom & Dad accepted our invitation to join us for some of Christmas holiday. They came the day or so after Christmas, and the plan was to stay a few days. Of course, Kristen & Lauren were thrilled to have their grandparents to come & visit. 

We exchanged presents, played dominoes & other board games, Lauren had a CYO basketball game and was proud to have 2 extra fans in attendance. We won the game, and Lauren even showed off by scoring a basket 

That evening we rented the movie , The Perfect Storm, starring George Clooney. Mom felt tired, and Dad checked the weather forecast, a winter storm was coming to WNY. To be safe, they decided to leave a day early. We were sad, but were grateful my parents shared part of Christmas with us. We didn't know it then, but it was Mom's last Christmas. 20 years ago ❤️❤️🙏🙏

Dad lived for another decade or so, with a lonesome and heavy heart. As, I've written before,  December 2011, was a month I operated a Christmas tree business at my uncle's on Long Island. I saw Dad often that month. 

I had lived at his home from November 2009 , until October 2011. I learned it's not easy to live with a parent, as an adult , when the last time you shared the same household was shortly after you graduated from college. But, I was and am grateful for the help Dad provided when I was having health problems.❤️❤️ I needed it. He readily opened his door 

But, I moved out in October.

On Christmas Eve,  he invited me to go to a relative's home for a family celebration. I passed, and closed down my tree operation. Got dinner at the Sweet Hollow Diner, and attended Christmas Eve Mass at St. Elizabeth's RC Church in Melville,  with a friend. I even helped to bring up the offertory gifts.

Next morning, I made the 30 minute drive to his home, to exchange Christmas gifts. I don't recall what I gave him. Again, he invited me to join him at a relative's home for Christmas day. Again I passed. This time I ate at a Chinese restaurant, and went to the movies at the Levittown cinema. I heard that's what the Jewish people do on Christmas Day. The theater was crowded. It proved to be Dad's last Christmas.

I'm very thankful I saw both my parents during their last Christmas celebrations on Earth. ❤️🙏❤️🙏 You can draw your own lessons from this blog 

HAPPY NEW YEAR. 🥂🎇🎉🍾🎇