poetrybyheart.me

It’s been five years since I moved back to Cleveland
Five Merry Christmases we’ve celebrated
Family traditions enfolded around us
Harking back to customs we had established.
And now we look forward to Christmas number six.

Surely as chaos came before creation
In the beginning of our wondrous earth
Misfortune now leads us to a new beginning
And new ways to gather in the wake of a loss
As a changed family.

In July my son’s wife was beset by a stroke.
I grieved to consider possible life changes
We crumbled collectively as we observed
Her tenuous balance and sometimes speech slurred.
And then undaunted she began to fight back.

With physical therapy and strong will unbridled
She remounted the horse of everyday living
Continued profession as real estate broker
While husband took on the role of her chauffeur
They created a new way of life.

Their sons learned new roles.
Oldest began his first year of college
Texted Mom daily keeping her in the loop
Younger son revealed talents hidden
Skills of repairing things technological.

This sixth Christmas requires a new plan.
My daughter-in-law was always designer
Of feast and festivities, gorgeous works of art
Gift to the rest of us from her creative soul.
We want to give back.

I offered to host in my small apartment
Potluck Christmas dinner in my less-is-more way.
Family were willing but we hit a roadblock
Daughter-in-law wanted Christmas as always
To welcome her son after first semester away.

We are glad to affirm her as our holiday hostess
Cooking her favorite dishes, decorating her home
And now there’s a change. She accepts our pot luck contributions
Sharing a new model for Christmas this year.
Chaos is lovely before Silent Night.

Written in response to Daily Prompt: Miraculous