Around the Christmas Tree

Christmas Tree  11/29/2015
dwm photo

It was quiet and dark.

The only light came from the Christmas tree which lit up at 5:50 each morning.

Davey wondered what was inside the big red and white box under that tree.  It was too big and too heavy for socks and underwear; too small for the game system he wanted.

Whatever it was, this was still the best Christmas ever.  He had his own bed; his own room; and a family that was trying to make him feel at home.

Sometimes they tried too much.  Like last night when they insisted he wait til morning to open that present.  His present!

As foster parents go - these folks were OK.  He wasn't sure about his three year old foster sister.  He didn't know what to do with a three year old girl.

When his mind cleared and he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, Davey realized it was so quiet he could hear the tick - tock of the old clock in the hall downstairs.  Mr. Tulberg said it belong to his grandparents where it was their kitchen clock.  He tried to explain winding the clock, but Davey thought they should just plug it in.

Other than the clock, he didn't hear anything.  He was never the first one up and Christmas didn't seem like a good time to start.

That's when he heard water rush through a pipe and a squeaky door open.  There was a light knock on his door.

"Davey, time to get up.  Would you like some hot chocolate to drink with some fresh cinnamon rolls?"

"Yeah. I mean, yes, please.  Thank you."

"My pleasure.  Get up when you're ready.  You can come down anytime."

"Thanks."

With that, Davey pushed his body off the bed with his left elbow then slid his feet out from under the covers until he was sitting up.  A short slide and he was standing, looking into a backyard covered in snow.

After using the bathroom and brushing his teeth he put on his favorite pair of jeans and a Green Bay Packer t-shirt and went downstairs.

He was surprised to find Mr. and Mrs. Tulberg with an excited Jean sitting near the tree eating donuts and drinking hot chocolate.

The red and white box was on the floor in front of an empty chair.  Davey took a seat while grabbing a chocolate cake donut.

"Davey," said Mr. Tulberg, "we are happy you are here.  This is your home.  Merry Christmas.  Jean, Mrs. Tulberg and I hope you like your gift.  Go ahead and open it."

He reached for the folded flap of wrapping paper and pulled it before doing the same on the other side.  Before cutting the tape holding the box closed, Davey looked up which when a big tear fell down his cheek.

"I do feel at home, Mr. Tulberg.  Merry Christmas."