I Miss Him This Christmas

I miss him this Christmas.
The man I said always ruined Christmas.
The man I dreaded calling on Christmas.
Because he’d say mean things about my not being there.

I miss him this Christmas.
The man who dressed up like Santa Claus.
The man who surprised me with a stuffed bear, pink bicycle, and luggage.
The man who taught me how to ride a bike and drive a car.
The man who hummed Silent Night, all year long.

I miss him this Christmas.
The playful, grinning man.
The man who loved holiday parades.
The man who loved parties.
And was the life of every one.

I miss him this Christmas.

Excerpt from They Live On: Saying Goodbye to Mom and Dad                                                                                                                by Patricia A. Nugent © 2010