A Christmas without Joyce

   Last Christmas was a very subdued one for our family.  My stepmother had passed away in June and my father was truly lonely.  So lonely in fact, that he chose not to decorate the house for the holidays.    The lack of Christmas decorations which defined my stepmother's happy disposition left a huge hole in our hearts and spirits.  The silly battery-operated toys were packed in the basement beneath the staircase.  The tree cried to be freed from the carton.  Even the creche remained packed.

  Then, three days before Christmas, my daughter brought out the tree, a few decorations, and make a gallant effort to restore some semblance of normality in my father's home.  It was a truly loving effort, for it brought a spark of life to the home, even with all its sadness and reminders plainly in view.

  Christmas day itself was quiet, of course.  But there were smiles and cookies, for Joyce's family also contributed to what happiness they could muster.  I really feel that Dad was pleased, even if you could still read the lost look in his eyes.

  God bless you, Joyce.  Christmas will never be the same without you, but we shall try with open hearts and bright smiles to bring happiness back into our hearts.

Holidailies

  Hello.  I just signed up to participate at http://www.holidailies.org/  for this holiday season.  This is new to me and I hope this month-long exercise will help me to blog on a more daily basis.