The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t via LaurieJStone
On December 20th, a huge storm pounded our little town in Connecticut. Electricity was out everywhere. Ice coated power lines, branches and shrubbery, giving a surreal, frozen beauty to the world.
At first, we tried staying put, sleeping in sleeping bags in front of the fireplace. My father stayed up all night, tending to the fire. Two days before Christmas, there was still no power. School holiday break began, but it was hard feeling joyful. I came off the school bus that day, dejected. Around me, all the houses looked warm and inviting. Ours was dark.
To not be home for Christmas was unthinkable, but that’s what we faced, probably trying to make the best of it in some motel room.The next morning was Christmas Eve. I started to get out of bed when I heard a sound I never thought would warm my heart — chainsaws. I looked out the window to see a crew of utility guys working on the limbs of the tree in front of our house.
We bustled about, putting gifts under the tree and getting ready for dinner. My father came home from work, bringing the usual bag of goodies he brought each year from his holiday office party – decorated cookies, bagels with cream cheese, hors d’oeuvres and chocolate. “Merry Christmas!” he said, coming in the door, his face wreathed in smiles. We all gave him a hug. “Merry Christmas!”Over forty years have passed, but every time another Yuletide rolls around, I think of that Christmas.
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