21 of 61

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

family gathered one last time. They sang Christmas carols and recalled so many precious times shared together, filled with love and laughter. This was a chapter in life no one would forget. They must have taken a couple hundred pictures so they would have tangible memories.

After the festivities, Amy's parents took the grandchildren to their house. Gary and Amy needed to be alone. They cuddled on the couch watching the snow fall so delicately. Candlelight shimmered against Amy's sapphire eyes and you'd never know that death was so near. She was beautiful, maybe more beautiful than Gary had ever seen. He knew more, in this moment, than ever before just how deep his love was. How could one man deserve so much love in his life, Gary thought.

Amy asked Gary to hold her closely. Even with the fire glowing from the fireplace, she was very cold. Her breathing became faint. His heart raced as he feared the worst. She lay dying in his arms. She took her last breath in an atmosphere that held every precious memory from childhood to death - an atmosphere of Christmas and an abundance of love.

Gary was in shock, in denial. He hesitated on calling an ambulance. He didn't want to ever let go of Amy, but he knew he had to. He knew he had to break the news to his children. He prayed to God to give him the words, the strength.

On a crisp November afternoon, Amy's body was laid to rest. A bounty of beautiful flowers surrounded her grave. Her children cried, but stood strong, following their mother's influence. Gary nearly torn apart, held himself together. He had to for the children. He was determined to be the best father he could be. Amy's legacy of strength, love and patience wouldn't be in vain.

Christmas was around the corner. The children were excited, but had many moments of sadness, missing their mother. A package arrived in the mail. It held the pictures that had been sent away to be developed, the pictures taken at the last family gathering with Amy. Gary embraced the package unable to open it. He knew the package held such bittersweet memories...the moments when Amy was alive; the moments that were taken from him and their children.

The package lay on a table for days until Autumn picked it up and with such innocence opened it. She ran to her daddy with excitement. The other children gathered around. They looked at each picture as if retracing each and every moment in those last days before their mother died. Ryan, the youngest asked his father if they could show "Mommy" the pictures. Gary fell to his knees in tears. He thought they understood Mommy was gone and wouldn't return. He regained his composure and gathered the children around, explaining Mommy was in Heaven and couldn't see the pictures.

The children went to their rooms and put on warm clothing to go outside. As they were going out the door, Gary asked what they were doing. Ryan said, "we're going to show Mommy the pictures". One by one they walked out the door, Gary following behind. Each child placed a handful of pictures on the ground as they looked to the sky. Ryan said, "Daddy, Mommy can see the pictures, she's looking down from Heaven"...

-and Gary thanked God for the precious wife who had instilled such strength and belief in his children and helped him regain life once more.

Learn more about this author, Kathy D.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Short stories: Christmas tales?
We want to hear your view. Write now!