We’re on the second half of our December countdown to Christmas.
Today, Mike and I made a run to the farm with goods for our present-day Christmas celebration. In my imagination, Ina and Shirley were there working at the dining room table. Ina was signing and addressing Christmas cards. Shirley was stuffing cotton balls into the cloth baby doll she’s making for Sadie.
I could tell that Ina knew I had come into the house. She stopped writing and looked up, her demeanor pensive. She felt my presence, but she couldn’t see me.
“Is something the matter, Mama?” asked Shirley.
“No. No, it’s nothing,” Ina responded and resumed her writing.
But it definitely was something. Across the decades, Ina and I shared a brief moment. Did she know I was Kathy, or did she think I was Sadie?
Well, never mind. The moment passed. Ina and Shirley faded from my consciousness as I’m sure I faded from Ina’s. I went on with my work, unpacking crates, hiding gifts, checking the pantry for supplies, making beds, etc., but I would have loved to watch Aunt Shirley bring that doll to life. KW
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