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 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. Lifting her gaze through the window above her desk, dense fog and ice had collected on the gnarled oak trees and shimmered in the moonlight. 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. What was the point?
She slipped the card into the envelope as a single tear slid down her soft wrinkled cheek. “I wish…” Her shoulders slumped and Carol sobbed.
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
A very sweet story, and a lovely song…they both embody the spirit of Christmas.
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Thanks Bits! I hope you will stop again!
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I’ve just found your blog through c… another great writer! I’m looking forward to perusing more of your posts:)
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Thanks Just a smidgen! I will check out yours too!
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this is a sweet and touchy story , I miss my mom now….
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Thank you so much.
Ohhh! I wanted it to be a story of hope for Christmas. I am sorry about your mom.
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So nicely worded. Holidays are all about spirits, celebrating with loved ones with spirit and feeling the missed ones in spirit.
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Thank you!
Ah! Well said! I think you could write a post about that Yatin!
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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/
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You are so awesome and so are your posts! I just subscribed to your blog! Thank you so much!
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