A long-ago Christmas Eve brings a lasting memory
There would be no money to buy gifts for Christmas. Her mother had told her, her two brothers, and sister early in the holiday season so that they wouldn't be too disappointed when the big day arrived. There wouldn't be enough money for a tree either or the other things that make the holiday special.
It was the mid 1920's and the entire family, except for the father, had moved to the small Midwestern college town so that the eldest child, a son, could go to school there. The family, which received income from the dad who had stayed behind, had just enough money to pay for the rent and the essentials like food and warm clothing.
Fortunately a small amount of money, an inheritance that had been earmarked for educational use only, was enough for college expenses. And the girl, the youngest daughter in the family, didn't mind the sacrifice that much. It seemed worth it if her big brother , whom she loved dearly, could further his education, and could someday go on to bigger and better things.
But it's hard, especially when you're only a 13-years-old, not to dream a little, even if you're pretty sure those dream won't come true. And it's hard not to get involved in the holiday whirl, especially when it seems the whole world is caught up in the magic and excitement that is prevalent at Christmas.
And one item in the window of a downtown jewelry shop particularly caught the eye of the blond haired, brown eyed girl. It was a green, emerald ring in a lovely tiffany setting and it was the most breathtaking thing that she had ever seen. The price tag said only $5, not a great deal of money, but, to her it might as well have been $100.
She later confided to her big brother that if she could have that ring she wouldn't care if she didn't get anything else. And her brother remembered and smiled to himself and later he started doing some extra odd jobs such as getting up early in the morning to shovel walks or to stoke furnaces for other people.
Christmas Eve finally came and the main comfort was that they were all together under one roof. The father had traveled there from their small nearby hometown and he brought along treats, candy bars for the children and a box of candy for his wife.
The mother had fixed a nice dinner and there were popcorn balls for a treat. There had been better Christmases, but things weren't really all that bad, and, there was always the future to look forward to.
It was about time to go to bed when the oldest son brought out a small, red tissue papered package which he handed to his little sister. She opened the box quickly in anticipation not letting her hopes get to high. Her heart stopped beating. Inside, set off against the black velvet lining, was the emerald ring.
EDITOR'S NOTE: That little girl was my mother and the big brother was my uncle Vernon. And, even though she has had more lavish, more expensive Christmas gifts, few have been as precious.
But it's hard, especially when you're only a 13-years-old, not to dream a little, even if you're pretty sure those dream won't come true. And it's hard not to get involved in the holiday whirl, especially when it seems the whole world is caught up in the magic and excitement that is prevalent at Christmas.
And one item in the window of a downtown jewelry shop particularly caught the eye of the blond haired, brown eyed girl. It was a green, emerald ring in a lovely tiffany setting and it was the most breathtaking thing that she had ever seen. The price tag said only $5, not a great deal of money, but, to her it might as well have been $100.
She later confided to her big brother that if she could have that ring she wouldn't care if she didn't get anything else. And her brother remembered and smiled to himself and later he started doing some extra odd jobs such as getting up early in the morning to shovel walks or to stoke furnaces for other people.
Christmas Eve finally came and the main comfort was that they were all together under one roof. The father had traveled there from their small nearby hometown and he brought along treats, candy bars for the children and a box of candy for his wife.
The mother had fixed a nice dinner and there were popcorn balls for a treat. There had been better Christmases, but things weren't really all that bad, and, there was always the future to look forward to.
It was about time to go to bed when the oldest son brought out a small, red tissue papered package which he handed to his little sister. She opened the box quickly in anticipation not letting her hopes get to high. Her heart stopped beating. Inside, set off against the black velvet lining, was the emerald ring.
EDITOR'S NOTE: That little girl was my mother and the big brother was my uncle Vernon. And, even though she has had more lavish, more expensive Christmas gifts, few have been as precious.
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