Thinking about Christmas

For the second straight year, Christmas to me isn't going to mean that much. Last Christmas, I was working, yet my good friends Gordon and Camille made the last few hours of Christmas perhaps the most inspirational Christmas ever. It was very touching. I went to work, and Gordon invited me to his house for dinner. After calling me several times to say that dinner had been delayed, he called me one last time and told me to meet him at a restaurant. I did, and I was expecting Gordon and Camille and Tanner and the triplets to come bounding out of their van. The van arrived, and Gordon was by himself. I was shocked. Where's your family? I asked. Seems the Christmas dinner never got cooked. But Gordon promised me that he would take me out to dinner. He said he made a promise to me that he would not back from. So while Camille and the kids were home eating hot dogs, Gordon and I celebrated Christmas dinner at a Chinese buffet, kind of like Tim Allen and his kid in "The Santa Clause," when they ate at Denny's. Gordon took me to his house, and we had dessert and I remarked to Gordon that this was my first Christmas where I didn't have any presents. Oh no, Gordon and Camille said. Under the tree were two presents: a meat and cheese sampler, and a framed painting of Jesus with two children on his lap. I cried when I got those gifts. It was the most special thing anyone not related to me had ever done for me. I loved it so much. I vowed then that I would try and be as kind to others as the Southams had been to me. I owe a debt of gratitude to my own family for taking me in during this time. It feels good to be with my mom, sister and dad at different times. Each has been kind to me during this time. Christmas doesn't have the same feeling it once did, for many reasons. But I'm with people I love, who love me. I worry about being a pest or over-staying my welcome, but by the beginning of January, I should be in a good position to get myself to Idaho, because I will be enrolled in school, close to my children, and making a new life for myself. I am looking forward to a much more positive 2010, and I have the kindness of good friends and family to thank for that. Without their help, encouragement and financial ability, my life would certanly be a bit worse for wear.