It was Christmas of 1981,
Oh what merriment and fun.
For under the tree were four pair of skates
Waiting for you all to do figure eights.
My four little girls with their happy grins,
Couldn't wait to do some spins.
But before they even got the chance,
I lost my only means of finance.
With many tears and much regrets
I took them back to pay my debts.
Never a word did my girls ever say,
But it hurt my heart every day.
Many Christmases have come and gone
And it was now 2001.
I swore that I would make it right,
This Christmas was filled with much delight.
For under the tree were five pair of skates,
Waiting for us all to do figure eights!
Author notes
This really happened back in 1981. Twenty years later I was thrilled when I was able to make it right for them after the memory of that sad Christmas. I bought myself a pair also. That is why at the end it says five pair of skates. I wrote them each a letter about why I had given them the skates for the Christmas of '01. They each have kept their skates from that Christmas plus their letters. One of my daughters has her letter and skates hanging on her living room wall as a reminder to her about the love that abounds in our family. My grand-daughter loves this poem also because she has heard the story behind the ice skates from her mother (my daughter). I am proud to present this to the AP site. Mysty Rain
A contest entry
- Favorite Christmas and New Year's Memories by midnightblue1272.
425 points, ended December 28, 2007, 10 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Christmas Pre-writes by Judith Chandler.
700 points, ended December 22, 2008, 16 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Christmas is Hereeee :) by TwilightDazzles.
700 points, ended December 26, 2008, 13 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Best XmAs Prewrites by amaranthine lover.
1275 points, ended December 29, 2008, 34 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Sad Christmas by cricketjeff.
1400 points, ends December 8, 36 entries
• next poem in this contest, • Add to finalists list, or remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 11 of 11
-
a very moving piece
-
Oh gosh, this is so very sad. A beautiful story here. Love transcends all and I am so very glad you were able to get them their skates. Thanks so much for entering and best wishes
-
Such a beautiful, touching story. It sort of reminded me of the Christmas in LIttle Women, even though the details are somewhat different. Such a feeling of giving, almost brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you for entering my contest. -
Very neat story, and I appreciate you sharing it with me. Thanks for your entry!
-
I'm so pleased to see that this is a golden winner because it is exactly that. What a beautiful memory and tribute for your children. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
-
Almost forgot
I failed to mention this important comment. Thanks so much for entering my contest. Means a lot. -
*wide grin*
This one gave me a wide grin from ear to ear. One of the most heartwarming poems I've ever read. Very happy that you all got your skates & that you entered this into my contest. This one really hit the spot. Just terrific!
-
This was just beautiful, as a mother this hit home that sometimes we can't give our children what we would like through circumstance, and it is heart wrenching. Again this was just heartwarming and the love you have for your children is clear for all to see.
Thank you for entering and good luck
~sugar~
-
oh my now you've gone and done it...
you made my eyes well up with that poem and your notes spiolled my heart. such a human heart moving account of your love as a mother and as a lovely human being . My hat is off to you , thank you for sharing this it is a special event worthy of all the good it brings . wonderfully penned thank you.
-
wow! ur a finalist! great job with this!
-
This is one of the most moving poems I have ever read. It brought tears to my eyes. Do not blame yourself for one sad Christmas - most of us have financial hardship at one time or another. It is wonderful that you were able to give your girls and yourself a happy time in the end. I cannot tell you how much I loved this!
Adding your comment:
1 - 11 of 11
