After CHRISTMAS

There was no time for mourning what might have been – a fresh start was right around the corner

Meg sat at her dining table staring at the tiny figures in the wooden stable, and sadness crept over her. It was time once again to stow it away. The old cardboard box was at her side. She took a small scrunched-up piece of tissue paper and tried to flatten it out, then reached inside the stable for the tiny manger. Gently, she put it in the paper and folded the sides round it. This piece needed special care. The end had broken off one Christmas. She could remember as if it were yesterday, the little chubby hand reaching inside before anyone could stop him. It was Steven. He was 30 now with a family of his own.

Frank had taken such care in finding just the right bit of wood to mend it. She felt her eyes moisten. Three Christmases had come and gone since Frank passed away. She shook her head. No moping today. There were things to do – she had to get the house back to normal.

As she continued to put away the rest of the nativity scene her thoughts turned to yesterday when all her family had come round. She was lucky to have such a lovely family. Paula was full of her new job at the hospital. She’d pursued her nursing career and brought up three children. Dear Sophie was the sweetest grandchild anyone could wish for, with a big hug for her gran and a cheeky grin when Meg couldn’t fathom what the amazing gadget she’d been given for Christmas did.