I put our Christmas tree up yesterday afternoon. For the first time, my four-year-old grandson Brendan helped.
“We’re working as a team, Papa!”
“Yes, baby. We’re a team.”
When we were finished we sat on the floor and shared a cup of hot chocolate together. The look in his eyes is what I remember of my own children and it brings conflicting emotions. I’m so glad we can make Christmas special for him, but I’m sad that I can no longer do so for my own kids. I hate them being gone and I miss them so much at this time of year.
After we’d finished our chocolate, I told Brendan there were a few more things remaining to do. Going out into the garage, I brought in a very special box. As I took the contents from the box one by one, I explained to Brendan what they were, and why I treasure them.
The first item was an old manger, dusty and weathered by time. It's fragile and showing its age now, but it’s not Christmas without it.
“Your great-grandmother Della gave me this when I was five years old.”
“Gosh, Pa! How old is it?”
“It’s forty-years old, son. I know that seems very old to you, as it did to me when I was young like you, but it passed so quickly, baby. You would have loved Granny, Mr. B, and she would have adored you.”
“Was she nice, Papa?”
“She was more than nice, son. She was the sweetest person I’ve ever known. We used to bake cookies together for Christmas. I mostly just got in the way, but she always had me help her. I loved sitting in her lap, eating warm snickerdoodles and drinking my chocolate milk.”
“I like to help you, and sit in your lap, Pa!”
“I know you do, baby. Papa likes it too.”
Smiling at my little grandson, I placed my grandmother’s manger under our tree and carefully arranged the white cloth around it to make it look like snow. My mind was flooded with memories of a lady I loved with all my heart and who I miss every day of my life. I can still see her smile, her eyes twinkling behind small, round glasses. I miss the warmth of her hugs, our talks on the porch, her tenderness and her wisdom.
Article comments
1 - T. Michael Testi
Absolutely wonderful! You have a poetic way of putting ideas in to words and building a memorable story around everyday events.
My kids are fifteen and nine and already I can see them growing up too fast. I think they a going to get some extra hugs tonight.
Thank you!
Also congrats on the BC of the day!
2 - Donnie Marler
Thank you for the kind words.
3 - STM
Donnie: Seriously, mate, this is wonderful stuff. You should try to do this for a living. You are more than a good writer, old boy ... you have a truly marvellous gift. I suspect because of what's been going on lately in your life you might be a bit unsure of yourself. Well, the good news is, all writers are. That's the bad news, too. So in reality, it's all good.
The true test of this kind of written piece is how evocative it is ... and you have nailed it - again. There is always a way in the backdoor as a writer. Just do your homework on what kind of publications want this sort of stuff and then submit your pieces. Make sure they are edited nicely beforehand, but don't leave us cold here on blogcritics if you do get a gig.
4 - Donnie Marler
STM,
Thank you for that. You made my day.