I'm proud to write that this short story is included in the anthology In the Moment. To order copies, please email: Gary Doi (garydoi@telus.net) Book proceeds donated to Children's Wish.
(My husband and me at the time of the story--
before we moved to Mayne Island
before we moved to Mayne Island
photo taken by a friend)
Christmas with Family (1 of 3)
November wasn't even over and already the rush had begun. My neighbourhood mall was packed. Everyone had a shopping bag. Some carried two. I sped past shop after shop escorted by Christmas tunes. Deck the halls with lots of presents. Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la. Now's the time to be shopping. Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la.. The music was supposed to make me happy, but all I felt was blue.
I pictured my extended family's Christmas Eve celebration. Year after year, we gathered to talk, laugh, exchange gifts and enjoy delicious food. This year, they would—I wouldn't, not any longer. My husband and I had moved from Manitoba three provinces away to British Columbia.
I entered the food court, searched and found my husband, Byron, sitting at a table, flipping through a magazine. “I'm sorry I'm late,” I said. Byron doesn't like to wait.
He shrugged off my apology.
The thought of spending Christmas here in BC—the two of us alone in our lonely apartment—made me want to cry.
“I want us to go home for Christmas,” I said trying to steady my voice.
“We are home,” he replied.
“No, I mean—”
“Manitoba? Freezing cold. Snow. No, thanks.”
But we have to be with family for Christmas. That thought haunted me all the way back to our apartment. I know, I'll phone my cousin Susan. After all she's alone too.
“Why don't you and Byron come and have Christmas here on Salt Spring?” Susan suggested.
I was so happy I wanted to sing, dance, but all I did was thank my cousin for saving my Christmas.
Next post: Monday, December 19th
The continuation of Christmas with Family
Of course you know it won't be that easy. Stay tuned for the complications.
Next post: Monday, December 19th
The continuation of Christmas with Family
Of course you know it won't be that easy. Stay tuned for the complications.
Picture Books in Canada
Pjama Press
Sharing my author journey...
Congratulations to the Iceland Writers Retreat winners and finalists.
Wishing you an information-rich, fun-packed retreat.
