Member-only story
Surviving Christmas
When tough times got tougher
I’m not a big holiday person. Some decorations adorn the house, and I bake lots of cookies and breads. I give small gifts to family and friends, and spend a little time visiting and wishing them well. That’s enough for me.
My ex-husband was in the USN, and he was deployed most holidays. I spent half of my adult life moving around the country, so I was rarely among family or long-time friends. I got used to spending lots of holidays alone, and I really didn’t mind.
But, one particular Christmas, I could have really benefited from some company.
I was separated from my husband of 20 years; he was off with his new girlfriend. I had returned to college to finish up my bachelor’s degree, and was working a part-time job. I was always tired and stressed.
This was in Hawaii. My home had recently been tented for termites, so all the dishes, pots, pans, glasses, cups, and utensils were temporarily in storage, and I had no food in the house.
When I was able to return to my home after the tenting process, I was beginning to feel like I had a cold coming on. I decided to just rest before getting my kitchen stuff out of storage, and going grocery shopping.
