The Night Santa Didn't Come.........

I was eight when mother, Nan and I boarded the train in our small home town for a visit to Gram's, for the Christmas holidays. We had not seen Gram or Gramps in two years so we were all excited.

Money was scarce, as usual, so Dad had insisted we go without him, even though, mother had the money for a fourth ticket. I could tell she didn't want to leave him at home but, what could she do? He wouldn't even take the money for the ticket, in case he needed it for something. We left, satisfied, that Dad would be fine, spending the holidays with his brother and his family. And, anyway, Dad knew how intent mother was about the trip, for she had pinched pennies, here and there, when at all possible, throughout those years, saving for this special trip.

How was she to know the economy would take a dip and the mill where Dad had worked for years would shut down leaving him and others to fend for themselves, surviving on the salaries of odd jobs the townspeople offered.

However, the trip and Christmas were foremost on my mind and the sorrow I felt at leaving Dad at the train station soon diminished just as the excitement of seeing my grandparents and the train ride increased.

Company came by the number that Christmas and after a hundred hugs and smiles, we all settled in for some long-awaited conversation and Gram's home cooking. Of course, she'd had help in preparing it, Gramps saw to that.

"What's Santa bringing you this year?" My cousin, Sally, who was also eight and whose parents had more money than Fort Knox, asked.

"Well, I just don't know," I answered hesitantly. Of course, anything would be good.

"Do you think there really is a Santa?" She further jabbed at me.

Why was she asked these questions? They made me feel very uncomfortable for someone had already mentioned that there might not be a Santa, at school.

"Of course, there is," I answered. But, inwardly, I wondered.

"How would he know where to bring your presents, anyway," she continued. "I doubt he even knows you're here." Well, she had a point there. At least, I could think that way.

Christmas Eve night I lay awake wondering if Santa wuld come and if so, would he come to Gram's.

Sally had gone home the day before and somehow I was glad. I wished Dad was there for things didn't seem as bad when he was around.

We awoke to a cold Christmas Day. Under the tree were presents for Nan and me from Gram and Gramps. We had nothing for them as she insisted our visit was our gift

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