As Carol scrawled her signature inside the Thomas Kincade Christmas card, a chill sent a shiver like the touch of a cold fingertip along her spine. She buttoned her red cardigan and folded the greeting card. While studying the picture of the artist’s painting, Carol smiled at the warm glow emanating like amber from the windows of the cottage nestled in the snow. She imagined the home filled with friends and family. She glanced through the window above her desk at the dense fog and ice collecting on the gnarled oak trees. Her heart ached with the familiar sense of loss. “I miss you John.” She looked around her dreary home once filled with life, regretting her decision to skip decorating this year, but what was the point.
She slipped the card into the envelope and a single tear slid down her soft wrinkled cheek. “I wish…” Her shoulders slumped and Carol began to sob.
Suddenly a flickering light reflected in the window caught her attention. She spun around and a warm roaring fire glowed in the gas fireplace. Silent Night began playing on the radio.
“What the…?” Carol sprung from her chair and as she approached the hearth she heard the doorbell. She wiped the tears from her face, turned the brass knob, and opened the front door.
“Surprise Grandma!” Carol’s three grandchildren, her daughter and son-in-law stood in the snow on the front doorstep.
“I’m glad you’re here too John.” Carol thought as she looked up and smiled.
Is there someone you wish you could visit during the holidays?
Thomas Kincade photo of painting by wallpapers-free.co.uk
Pingback: A Priceless Gift and Holiday Spirit | Random Thoughts
So nicely worded. Holidays are all about spirits, celebrating with loved ones with spirit and feeling the missed ones in spirit.
Thank you!
Ah! Well said! I think you could write a post about that Yatin!
As they say you have watch what you wish for during Holidays!!
Started writing the post and got tempted to include a precious gift idea thought. Gift thought just got too long so curtailed the spirits thoughts. My objective for next year is to read your posts religiously & learn how to say it all in few words. An envious skill you have that I strive to acquire.
http://yatinpatel.wordpress.com/2011/12/20/a-priceless-gift-and-holiday-spirit/
You are so awesome and so are your posts! I just subscribed to your blog! Thank you so much!
this is a sweet and touchy story , I miss my mom now….
Thank you so much.
Ohhh! I wanted it to be a story of hope for Christmas. I am sorry about your mom.
I’ve just found your blog through c… another great writer! I’m looking forward to perusing more of your posts:)
Thanks Just a smidgen! I will check out yours too!
Thanks Bits! I hope you will stop again!
A very sweet story, and a lovely song…they both embody the spirit of Christmas.
Beautiful story and beautiful song:) Thank you so much for sharing. I miss family most at Christmas, that is why I am treasuring this first Christmas with ALL our family on both sides!
Thanks Kara for stopping by to read! Have a Merry Christmas!
I loved the red cardigan, it said so much in one movement.. hmm.. very cool.. c
Thank you C! I usually write 100 word flash and this went way over.I tried to convey the emotions Carol was feeling with as few words as possible. It is always a challenge!
What a touching, well written story. I wish I could write short stories as well as you do but I had trouble telling a story in 2,500 words. I think that’s a skill I need to work on a little more because I do enjoy your blog.
Thank you so much Kristy! I am so glad you take the time to stop by and read!
Thanks August!
It can be a bittersweet holiday as we lose the ones we love. I hope you blog about them and include the recipe!
Lovely post, Susie! I miss my grandma and granddad particularly this holiday season. Planning to honor their memories with words, thoughts and baking (my grandma’s famous cardamom bread).
I think the last line really completes this story. I also like the happy ending and although you kind of hinted at it with the opening images of amber warmth, it’s uncertain until the end how it will turn out.
The last line was tough for me. I wanted everyone to know that her late husband had a hand in the shenanigans with as few words as possible.
Thanks for stopping by!
I really admire people who can write good short fiction like this. There’s such an art to that. When I was writing my book I struggled to cram my story into 400 pages!!! I actually ended up splitting it into 2 books (parts 1 & 2; part 2 out hopefully next year).
Thank you Jon! Congrats on your book! I look forward to reading it!
Merry Christmas Susie. thanks for a good story. I often feel my grandfather around at Christmas – he loved that holiday.
Thanks Louise! How cool is that! I am sure he is around. Have a Merry Christmas!
Thanks Susan!
Your story glowed with life just like a Kinkade painting! I enjoyed reading it…
~Susan
Only those who have departed this mortal plane.
Wouldn’t that be awesome if we could?
You are right. This did make me smile. Great story!
Thanks Julie! I am so glad it did!
Love it! That sums up so much of what holidays mean to me–family, love, magic, etc
Thank you Coleen!
Very touching story, Susie. I can see you’ve touched a lot of your followers with it too. I’m fortunate in that the one I’ll be missing this season is only away at work, not for good.
I think something’s going on with WP because I hadn’t hit enter and my comment went on through as anonymous… anyway, wanted to make sure you knew I had been here!
That is weird since it happened to Rich as well.
Thank you so much Madison. My family will travel to see our relatives after the holidays for an extended Christmas this year!
Oh Rich I am sorry to hear about your daughter. Filling those aches become a big part of life. I think we appreciate each day more fully!
I did something wrong. the post at 10:14 posted as anonymous.
Susie, my general impression is one of warmth and longing. Longing for those who we can’t see again in this life, especially for my lost daughter Amy who will forever be 19.
Thanks again for touching my heart and helping us appreciate those with whom we can still share our love and joy.
Oh! I am so sorry to hear of your daughter’s passing, but I am glad that you understood my message of hope.
Thank you so much for reading and sharing~
I really enjoy reading these. You are such a talented writer. This one is my favorite so far. Great job!
Wow Tim! Coming from you that really means a lot to me! I am so glad you enjoyed it. I hope you have the happiest of holidays!
This brought tears of empathy to my eyes. I always make sure my mother, now in her mid-80′s, is a part of my family’s life every day. I call her for advice (though I don’t need it, but it makes her feel involved), and I consult her on Christmas each year, planning the menu and coming out to our place, her arms laden with baking. LOL. She enjoys that part.
What a wonderful daughter you are! I am sure that she really appreciates it! Thanks for reading~
Beautiful.
Thank you Sheila!
Dear Susie,
Christmas is such an emotional time. Your story made me cry. Best compliment I can give. Thanks.
Aloha,
Doug
Thank you so much Doug! I was looking for heart-warming and not wrenching, but I am glad that it touched you! I have to admit to getting teary-eyed while I wrote it~
Very nice Susie. This story REALLY hits home for me. My father-in-law passed away this summer, and it will be a very emotionally challenging holiday season for my family.
Oh! I am sorry. That does leave a hole in everyone’s heart. I do you wish you all the best and that surrounding yourself with friends and family helps heal the wound a little.
Awww, I am missing someone right now and I wish I could see him before the year is over…
I know what you mean. Well Christmas miracles do happen!
Thank you for your kind words! And yes, miracles do happen!
Wonderful story as usual, Susie. I hope you have a fun-filled family-filled Christmas!
Thanks Catherine! I hope you enjoy the holidays with friends and family too!
I wish that would happen..:(
I just hope my kids are all fine.
Love you Susie..
HUGGGGGGGGGGG
Wouldn’t that be cool?
I am sure they are fine, but miss you. Love you too!