My Christmas Wish

I wish I could see my Mom and Dad this Christmas.

My father died in 2000. My mother in 2004.

And I was just thinking how nice it would be to see them again.

To come into their house on Christmas Eve, out of the cold into the warm. With my wife and kids beside me.

My Mom would come up in her apron and jingle bell necklace, glasses pushed up on her head, and kiss me. Well, to be honest, she’d probably kiss the kids and my wife first. After all, when you get married, you automatically get second billing. Then, when you have kids, all bets are off. You may not get that hello kiss until it’s time to say goodbye.

Then my Mom would bring us into the family room, with the fire going and the Christmas tree bursting with presents. The whole house would be filled with color and conversation, and music and light.

As my Mom would go off to get us punch, my Dad would wake from his nap.

He’d rise slowly from the couch, and give me a quick, rough kiss on the cheek.

Yes, I might just get that first kiss from my Dad.

The whole family would be there, too. My sister and brothers and their husband and wives. And my parents’ grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also some good friends.

We would eat, laugh, sing, play games, and open presents, and probably eat some more. Until later, when we’d walk the sugared up, almost sleeping, kids to the vans.

But just before we left, I’d stop to kiss my Mom and Dad, and hug them, a little longer.

Yes, it would be nice to see them again.

Actually, I just did.

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Copyright 2011, James R. Warda. All rights reserved.