tinsel and light and love

Photo: David Dee

I'm missing my mother. We were closer than many mothers and daughters and I considered her my best friend.

This is our second Christmas without her, as she passed away a year ago in September, but I'm missing her at every turn this year. Last Christmas I was still in her house, finishing up its closing, so she was still there in many ways. This Christmas it's just memories.

Things I'm missing: dragging her Christmas tree up from the basement, the sparkle of lights on her tree, her girlish excitement about the whole season, watching George C. Scott as our favourite Scrooge, the endless supplies of fruitcake and eggnog . . .

A memory unleashed every time I hear or see: Nat King Cole or Johnny Mathis or the Carpenters sing a carol, the Nutcracker Ballet, choral singers in a church . . .

Traditions to carry on and traditions to begin anew.

Wish you were here, Mom.