2004 - CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS WITH THE FAMILY

Brandon and Sophia like to help in the kitchen.  Thus, for a few weeks before Christmas, we made cookies on the days they were with me. Some stayed here, but most went home with them, either in their bellies or in a tin.

Although it was doubtful that Brett would be able to join us, we all kept the hope in the back of our minds.  The unusual start of this year's Christmas celebration is written about in FROM THE HEART, titled "Good Things Come in Small Packages" (December 2004). Weather remained icy and miserably cold, hovering near zero, through the weekend.  Power lines were down in the area, and although Matt and Dawn had lost their cable TV and computer connection, elec- tricity was unaffect- ed.  They also kept the fireplace fueled and it remained aglow throughout the weekend.

Brett was as prepared for the chill as one can be having lived for ten years in Florida before moving to California.  To compound the situation, his warm clothes were in his luggage which was still in Detroit.  But the sun was inviting Christmas Eve day, so the three fellows went out to play on the backyard's snow-covered hill.

Dawn and I were up long before Brandon appeared outside his bedroom door on Christmas morning.  Once he saw the presents under the tree, he ran to the family room to wake Uncle Brett, and Matt went to get Sophia from her crib.  Christmas Day had officially begun.

Copyright ©2004  Kitty Park