That Christmas was filled with so much love and joy, that the normal stress and worry that usually accompanies the holiday season, just seemed to disappear.
Now I say ONE of the best Christmas presents ever,because my youngest son, Erik, was born two years later on December 7th. I was truly blessed with the two most precious Christmas presents that anyone could ask for.
However, this little package needed more love and attention than the first one did. Erik was born two months premature and spent the first week of his life in Intensive Care. Although that Christmas was special because of the birth of my second son, worry and uncertainty also filled my heart.
As the years passed by, more memories accumulated, both happy and sad ones. As my sons grew, Christmas Eve became a special day for all of us – spent with my grandparents. This day turned out to be my sons “extra Christmas.” We all watched their little faces light up at the sight of a new toy they received from Santa. A toy that was extra special because Santa brought it to Grammy and Poppie’s house.
Christmas day evolved over the years into my boys offering to “make a list of what we want for Christmas, so you know what to buy us.”
The Christmas Holiday was usually filled with happiness, taking pictures and socializing, until Christmas Eve of 1997, when my grandfather passed away. There were no more “extra Christmases” for the boys. That year was especially hard for us all. Our sorrow lessened as time passed, and we were able to celebrate Christmas, filled with warm memories of “Poppie.”
My heart and life are still full of Christmas memories of the past, and I look forward to creating new memories in all the Christmas’ to come.
Michael, now a sailor in the United States Navy, will be bringing his new wife, Jennifer, home for the first time this Christmas.
Erik, my youngest son, still lives at home and is in his senior year of high school. He continues to share Christmas with my husband, Bill, and me.
Together, those whom I hold dear to my heart will continue to bless me with Christmas memories – ones that I will cherish forever.
Copyright 2007 Melanie Ouellette All Rights Reserved
About the Author:
Melanie Ouellette is a Service Coordinator for an HVAC company in Newington, CT. She loves to write children’s stories, snowmobile with her husband, bowl, and spend time with her family. Melanie is the proud mom of two boys, a US Sailor and a special needs young adult. She currently resides in Connecticut with her husband and son.
