Page 58 of A Tinsel Tale
“What time did you get in?” Dad asks.
“Around six.” I reach for a mug and pour Dad a cup. Two teaspoons of sugar and a hefty shot of cream later, I set it on the island in front of him. I refill mine and he raises his eyebrows when he recognizes Moms’ mug.
“Nice,” he says.
I hold it up for a cheer. “Merry Christmas, Pops.” We clink cups and smile.
“When do you want to open gifts?” he asks.
“I’m ready anytime you are.”
“Let me finish this cup and I’ll play Santa.”
I clap my hands. “Can’t wait.”
As dawn breaks on this beautiful Christmas morning, we open our gifts. Dad’s thrilled with his new boots and sweaters. I love the leggings I asked for and the fuzzy pink slippers. I open the long jewelry box and nestled in silk is a beautiful heart shaped pendent necklace.
“Daddy, I love it!” I jump up and hug him. “Thank you. Will you put it on me?”
“Sure, Kiddo.” I sit at his feet and he fastens the necklace. I swivel and lay my head in his lap. He pats my shoulder. “I’ve got one more thing. From your mother.”
My head pops up. “From mom?”
“Yes. She asked me to give it to you when the time was right. I think that time is now.”
He stands up and walks to the tree, reaching for a wrapped package hidden in back. “Here you go.” He sits back down and with trembling hands I hold the present in my lap reluctant to open it.
Blowing out a shaky breath I remove the holiday wrapping. It’s a scrapbook. I run my fingers over the cover, knowing that my mom had been here, had created this with her own beautiful hands. In the center of the cover is a photograph of me and Mom at my college graduation. I remember that day like it was yesterday. Dad took this shot. He was doing his best to crack me up, but I was a hard nut to crack back then. He’d finally managed to get the perfect picture, capturing the bond between us as we’d laughed together… at him. I reverently turn the pages, as I let the tears flow freely. Photo after photo with little side notes from Mom. Dad sits down next to me looking over my shoulder, hand comfortingly resting on my back. When I turn the last page there is a sealed envelope with my name scrawled on the front in Mom’s unmistakable handwriting. I look at Dad and he smiles encouragingly.
Dear Evie, My heart. I don’t know if you know this story, but your dad and I didn’t think we’d be able to have children. We’d tried for several years with no luck. We decided that maybe it wasn’t meant to be. Imagine our delight when we finally let go, and I got pregnant. You were special from the moment you were born. Even before. I used to sing to you when you were in my belly, and your dad read bedtime stories to us, his head on a pillow right by my belly so you could hear him. Tee hee.
If you’re reading this now, I know time has passed since we last saw each other. The hardest part about dying was leaving you and your father. I needed you to be okay. I prayed every day that you would both heal and thrive and love. Baby, our bond will never be broken. Remember, Winnie The Pooh said, The most important thing is even when we’re apart I’ll always be with you.
Promise me you’ll keep your heart open and look for all the tiny miracles that happen every single day. They’re there you know. The first snowfall, the stars at night. The break of dawn, the lake at sunset. And that indescribable feeling when there is a song in your heart and someone else hears it too. That’s what I want for you my sweet girl. You and Dad have each other, and I know you’ll be okay. I am the luckiest mom in the world. All my love, my darling precious girl. Love, Mom
Ilook at Dad and we’re both crying full on. “She was so special, your mom.” He dabs at his eyes with a hankie.
“My dad is pretty special too. Thanks for giving this to me now. You were right to wait. This was the perfect time.”
Many hours later, the sun has set and we’re watching a holiday movie when a knock on the door startles us both. We literally jump, then laugh.
“Better see who it is,” Dad says.
I open the door and there stands Gwen. “I decided to come home a day early instead of waiting. I wanted to spend time with my second family. I hope it’s okay to drop in like this,” she says.
“Gwen, come in!” I say delighted to see her. I turn and Dad is right behind me with an adorable flush creeping up his neck and a thousand-watt smile lighting up his face as he greets Gwen.
“We’ve missed you haven’t we, Pops?” I say.
“Yes, we have. Hello Gwen. Come… sit… what can I get for you? Wine, snacks, beer?” he says eagerly.
“I’d love a glass of wine.”
“I’ll get it. We were watching a funny holiday rom-com. It just started. Are you game?” I ask
“I love a good rom-com.” She settles on the couch and I retrieve her drink and set the bowl of popcorn on the table in front of us.
We line up with Dad in the middle and I prop my feet up on the table. It is so comfortable, and I feel so happy for Dad.