Picture Perfect

With our plumbing problem finally resolved last night I was able to get the house in order before going to bed. We arose around 3am to webcam with our children and grandchildren as they opened their gifts in London. It was as wonderful as it could be, short of being there in person, to be able to watch and hear the excitement of our little granddaughter as she squealed with delight over her gifts, to see our grandson sitting like a little angel in his bouncy seat, to know that my daughters were enjoying each other's company, and to see our son-in-law stealing kisses from his wife. It occurred to me that a bit of our traditions were still alive, but with a twist. Our oldest daughter giving us the wakeup call, just as she did when she was young, anxious to begin the celebration. Sipping coffee and Baileys as candlelight flickered bright then dim around us, bathing us in memories of Christmases past. The Christmas stockings now hanging not only on our mantel but on theirs as well, filled with tiny treasures and treats. The silly red and white Christmas hat perched atop my husband's head for no other reason except to make his granddaughter smile. For about ninety minutes we were able to transport ourselves into their living room, gather around their tree, and join in the wonder of the morning. Then we said our goodbyes and Merry Christmases, extinguished the candles, and went back to bed.

When I arose again around 7:30am I went quietly down the hall, leaving my husband to sleep in as late as he wanted. There seemed to be no reason to wake him since the best of the day was done. We had our own gifts to open but there was not much excitement attached to that prospect since we really already knew what we had gotten for each other, or rather what we had gotten for ourselves from the other. There was only one big box for me and a smaller box for him that was actually a surprise. I contemplated lighting the candles again and decided against it. I popped open a soda, put on some Christmas music and settled into the rocking chair with the book I have been reading. Somehow the rest of the day didn't seem as if it would be much different than any other weekend day. Eventually my husband got up and joined me in the living room. I started the coffeepot for the second time and plopped down on the sofa, half-heartedly asking if we should go ahead and do the gifts. So I passed out the gifts and we laughed as we pretended to be surprised, oohing and ahhing in fake admiration. Finally I handed his one true surprise gift to him and waited my turn. I envisioned a set of cookware inside my box or perhaps some glassware. I could not have been more wrong. My husband, who at times is so involved in his computer and video games, football and tv that I sometimes feel invisible, gave to me a gift most precious. Inside that box was a very nice digital camera, with assorted wide-angle and zoom lenses, tripods, carrying case, spare batteries, eveything I need to get started with the photography I have been dreaming of for quite some time. Above all, inside that box was the knowledge that he really had been listening and was giving me a gift of the heart. I was moved to tears. Maybe now he will get his recliner.