HE CAME AND HE WENT

Christmas. Sit it back and enjoy the most giving, loving moments of the year. Even before it arrives you’ve already started mulling over what presents to buy for family and close friends. What did I give them last year? I can’t remember. So I don't give the same thing again.

You’ve bought something for the wife, or those closest to you, when you cross your fingers hoping it’s what they wanted. You keep the receipt should your choice be a lousy one.

Let’s take a wife or significant other, and watch them slowly unwrap the gift. I always find I’m holding my breath when Roe is opening hers. She’s not like me who tears away at the paper and makes a mess of it.

She somehow opens it unrushed, easing the ends free, then loosens the middle of present. I wish I could do the same. Slowly, carefully…

Wives are difficult to buy presents for. "What do you want for Christmas?” I ask Roe well in advance. I know what she’ll say: “Whatever you choose, I’ll love it.”

She’s already bought mine, and for the life of me - the wrapped gift is already under the tree - I’ll be damned if I can figure what it is.

Christmas is over. Along with a present from Nathaniel our son with a handwritten card which brings the biggest lump in my throat:

Thank you for always being there for me, and giving me my curiosity and natural sense of humor. You’re a great dad. Love, NCW 1V.

I went looking a box of Kleenex, after reading it.

Author’s comment: Gotta go. Nathaniel is climbing the hill loaded with bags of kindling for the wood stove…