A single bill quivered in her hand as an old tune played in her thoughts, “You picked a fine time to leave me. . . .” Christmas. No money and no husband. Bleakness in Idaho.
How had it come to this? Dear God, what am I going to do? Her hand swiped across wet cheeks.
A knock. Please, not tonight.
“Thought the kids might like a little something extra.”
It was Mimi, her neighbor, holding a basket bursting with old fashioned goodness: Candies, gifts, iced sugar cookies, a candle. “Merry Christmas, Honey.”
“Merry Christmas, Mimi,” she whispered, “Merry Christmas.”
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TWO STORIES BEHIND THE STORY
This story was written for a 100 word Christmas writing contest. I am sharing it on my blog to highlight those who have lost a lot in recent times. The message to this story is the need to be sensitive to others who are sad during the holiday season, and to give because we have received. It is better to act even if it might be a little embarrassing than to just think about acting.
I remember a Christmas when I was given money from caring people during one of the most difficult years of my life. I was unemployed, recently divorced, worried, and emotionally weary. Their gifts plus a bouquet from my siblings meant so much. That year my friends John and Wanda gave my five children and me the most gorgeous Christmas tree.
This story found its voice from another sad story. A friend of mine was left by her husband when her sons were young. He cleared out the house–taking the furniture and almost everything–while she was at work. When she and the boys came home they found themselves left with next to nothing.
My friend didn’t want the pain of the moment to scar her sons. She bottled her tears as she regrouped. Thinking quickly, she spread a blanket on the floor and told her boys that they were going to have a picnic. She made a pizza. They sat on the blanket and enjoyed their picnic all the while her heart was breaking and her fears mounting. Years later tears still surface when she tells the story.
Is there anyone you know who could use a little encouragement this Christmas? Why not surprise them with a little something extra.
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I have one more 100 word Christmas writing coming another day.
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