Tag Archives: Gift

Weekly Writing Challenge; DPCHALLENGE

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http://jackiespeaksit2014.wordpress.com

#DP Challenge

This week, weave a story about yourself told through the lens of your past December 23rds.

When I think back to past Christmas years on the 23, I get mixed memories. Smiles, sadness can appear and then fade a way as I go year to year.

Christmas as a kid was always the same. Wonderful, magical, excitement! Those were the days.

Christmas as a married adult meant working over-time, need of more money, lots of presents under the tree for our children. Giggles and screams of delight as wanted gifts were opened.

A divorce and remarriage on the rebound means sadness to me. A husband who made life hard to exist. Him hiding when people came to our house. Embarrassment, replaced delight of seeing people. Wanting to get the day over with. No money, very few gifts. It was always a sad time for me and an angry time as well. I saved my little bit of money I earned each week and finally was freed from this relationship.

The loss of parents that you love leaves the biggest gap in your heart. Christmas joy is ripped a way. Tears and sorrow replace all other feelings. Robotic movements kick in as you try so hard to carry on in a normal way that Christmas is supposed to be. Always glad when it is over, but sad when my kids leave to go back to their homes.

Christmas this year I dreaded with all that I have. Excitement over my kids being here. Sadness over wondering if Al would make it to the holiday. Thankful he was here, sad he slept through it. Not as many gifts but gifts that were wanted and enjoyed. Plenty of food and good conversation took the sting out of what was happening in my brother’s bedroom.

I am glad Christmas is over. My tree is down and the house looks more back to normal. Al is still here having bad days, and some better days mixed in. I treasured each moment with my entire family, knowing in my heart that there will never be a Christmas like this again.

Christmas will come once again. The 23rd will arrive without delay. People will come and some will never be seen again, but hopefully the future will open new doors. New memories and I will once again smile, remembering the pasts and looking forward to the future.

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The Best Day Ever

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http://dailypost.wordpress.com, DP, Daily Prompt

You get to enjoy the best day ever — describe in detail what that means to you. Where are you? What will you do? What’s the weather like? What will you eat? Who will you see?

Photographers, artists, poets: show us INDULGENT.

Let’s forget reality for today. Let’s pretend that every wish I wanted does exist and come true.

Today is Christmas. The lights are twinkling on the seven-foot tree. Christmas music is playing in the background. The scented candles are lit. The scene is lit and I am standing calm in the doorway. I have my velvet red dress on with matching necklace and earrings. My shoes are the matching color of my dress.

I open the front door and welcome with a big smile my family and hug each one as they enter my home.

Everyone comments about the delicious smells that are drifting their way from the kitchen. They each place their wrapped gifts under the tree. There is no worry from me this year that all here will not walk a way without a few gifts and goodies of their own.

Al is in his recliner watching The Christmas Story. I call out to him and he comes out to the kitchen with the biggest smile. He hugs me and thanks me for making this such a wonderful Christmas for him.

Everyone is seated in their marked seats at the big dining room table. Candles glowing bouncing off the crystal glasses. Festive red and green napkins hug the bright red tablecloth.

The conversation is awesome. Everyone is on their best behavior. The food is delicious. The desserts are eaten. Afterwards all jump in to help clear the table and do the dishes as the kiddies are mingling around the Christmas tree with squeals of delight on opening their gifts.

I take lots of photos so that I may share them with my friends here on WP and FB. The day lingers and the memories I am building are that this is the best Christmas ever.

But the bubble is burst and I sit here in the silence on Christmas morning. I haven’t heard any stirring from my brother and I fear just a little to walk in his room. For he has repeatedly told me he will not be here for Christmas.

But hopefully I will walk in and wish him a Merry Christmas. I can hope that he smiles back at me in silence. I will bathe him in bed. Place him in a dry brief, position him on his side and turn the movie on which has to be The Christmas Story.

I will go to the kitchen and find some clear liquids for his breakfast since yesterday he vomited three times. Thick mucus is building up in him and he is choking. Swallowing as of yesterday has become a very difficult thing for him.

I will sit with him and feed him and give him his medicines so his pain is lessened. Afterwards I will swab his mouth and shave his face. I will go to the silent kitchen and begin the preparations for the noon meal. My memories will come alive as I relive past Christmas Days when Mom and Dad were not in heaven.

My son will arrive shortly before noon and they will  play with their children while I cook. Silent tears will fall for what once was. My children in our home. Al not in his bed dying. Laughter and music filling the air.

Dinner is served. Some conversation will be done. Al will be in his room and I will make the best of this situation with God‘s help. Gifts are opened and then they leave for another day of sharing with their extended family.

I look at the mess and I check on Al. I begin clean up duty as it won’t be long until the aunt I haven’t spoken to in six years comes to visit Al at his request. I pray that the visit is nothing less than good.

I ponder on what time my daughter will arrive on Thursday and begin to prepare for the new day.

Merry Christmas Al, Merry Christmas my children where ever you are. I miss you Mom and Dad. I wish things were different.

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Christmas Joy in the Mail

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It is bitter cold day outside. Freezing temperatures and that white stuff called snow. What flowers I used to enjoy through the summer now take a look of a different kind of beauty, still and peaceful. Here is the photo.snow flower

In the midst of the cold warmth is brought in to our home by Christmas cards. I would like to say a big thank-you to all who sent cards to Al and me.

To Diane S., thank-you for the card for Al, and the CD, book and card for me, thank-you very much.

To Michele B, thank-you so much.

To Michele B. from N.C., thank-you for Al’s card.

To Sandy R. a big thank-you for  my card.

To Sandy R., N.C., thank-you for Al’s card.

From Kell, N.C, thank-you for Al’s card.

From Claire R, N.C, thank-you for my card.

From Kell, N.C. thank-you for  my card.

From Teresa F., thank-you for Al’s card.

Al and I want to give you all a cyber hug for your gifts. Al has all of his cards hanging on his wall so that when he looks up he can see them. The lighted and cards that play are always on his bed with him and are played daily. We thank-you all so very much.

Wonderful Friends and Bloggers

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I want to thank some more people for sending packages and cards to  Al. When he comes home tomorrow morning all of these goodies will be waiting for him.

I want to thank Sara K. Thank-you for the package. I will let Al open it tomorrow when he comes home.

I want to thank Ute. Ute, you  sent Al the cutest little bear card, and the package? I will let Al open it tomorrow.

I want to thank Ar Neal. Thank- you so much for the card, one for Al and one for me.

I want to thank Christina M. Thank-you so much my friend. A card for Al and a card for me.

I want to thank Marsha A. That card you sent is so original and cute. Al is going to love it when he sees it tomorrow. Thank-you so much.christmas tree

I want to thank Lana S. Lana how kind of you to send Al a card when you have recently lost your husband to this tragic disease. God bless you my friend.winter-scene-christmas-2735689-1024-768.jpgSnowflake-Screen-Saver_1purple candles

I want to thank Cynthia M. I love the advent calendar. Al will enjoy opening each window starting tomorrow. Thank-you very much.

You all are wonderful friends and bloggers. Christmas is closer than we want it to be. Lots of rushing and bustling from now until then.

If anyone else still wants to send him a card please email me at

tellmenolies2004@yahoo.com

for the mailing address.

I wish I could give each of you a big hug, I am so appreciative.

A Word of Thanks

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I wanted to thank you for the Christmas cards that you sent for Al. He had received one last week and he still holds it like it is a bar of gold. Today he received 4 cards. I am so thrilled for him. I just wish I could reach through the screen and give you a hug. This means the world to me.44

If anyone else would like to consider sending him a card, please email me at

tellmenolies2004@yahoo.com

for his address.

I want to thank:

Alastair. Alastair the glitter and little animals are so cute! Thanks so much my friend.  Alastair is a blogger here at WP, and takes wonderful photographs.

Suzjones, from the Land Down Under. Sue is from Australia. Thanks so much Sue

Kathy B. sent the most adorable card with a puppy wearing a red Santa hat. Sue, thank-you so very much. Al loves this card.

Linda S. your card is a blessing. Linda’s husband also has MSA. For her to take time out to send my brother a card means so much. Thank-you Linda.

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