Brenda Irish Heintzelman

Mommy, He Stole Our Christmas Brenda Irish Heintzelman

She pulled out the presents and placed them under the tree. She brought out the sweet potatoes and melted marshmallows on top so they could enjoy Andrew's favorite "fancy" food for their little Christmas celebration. And while she was pulling the sweet potatoes out of the oven, she noticed that Andrew was locking both the front and back doors. Andrew, what are you doing honey?Andrew explained to his mommy that he wanted to be sure that "he" couldn't get in. He's at work today, honey. He won't be here until after bedtime. She worried how drunk he would be when he did show up after work. She knew that when he worked with that group of guys that it was the norm for them to drink on their home from the job site. She decided that she would put Andrew to bed early after their celebration and then feign sleeping when her husband walked in the door. Just in case he was drunk. And just in case he was in a bad mood. She fixed plates for both her and Andrew, and they ate, and they danced, and they sang, and they laughed together just like they used to do before her husband had moved in. And then they sat down in front of their pretty Christmas tree and Andrew opened his presents from Mommy. She did her best to save Christmas for Andrew, even if it was a few days late.