Christmas

The last present has been opened, the last guest has left and the fire is only embers. Another first has come and gone. Our first Christmas without my mother. I started the day trying to remember last year with her but couldn’t. However, the memories of my childhood Christmases with her were vivid. The Christmas I got my first puppy to the Christmas I got my first stereo rushed through my mind. She has been there with every decoration, every family gathering, every meal, every gift purchased and she was there today. I could feel her presence and her absence at the same time. As the day comes to a close, I can't help but think about what gift I would have given her had she been here. It was so odd to not have a package under our tree with her name on it.

 

Merry Christmas Mother. I miss and love you.