Christmas Eve tonight...

I’ll always think of you, little sweetheart, when I think of Christmas, even more than any I had as a child or the three quite magical ones I spent in Ireland in the years before I met and was found by you.

You brought me to your parents house that last and only year we were able to have Christmas together, and I remember pulling into the driveway and you cried out because you suddenly remembered that you’d left your gift for me back at your apartment in San Francisco! It would have to wait but it was well worth it - it was a lovely leather jacket that I wore every day pretty much from the day you gave it me until quite recently when I semi-retired it because I’ve nearly, literally, worn it out. (Don’t worry, I had it restored! Just being careful with it, now…).

Christmas Eve was really special at your house. We all went out to a Christmas Eve movie together and when we got home, your mom had new pajamas and slippers for everyone. We all got changed into them and that was our wardrobe for the next 24 hours - or longer, I kept my on for days, I think! And when we had to run out the next day for something we’d forgotten - extra eggnog, I think - your dad, brother and myself just jumped in the car wearing same!

It was a full house, too! Your folks and your brother and friends of his from Portland; friends of yours from San Francisco; as well as, Michelle and her kids. There might’ve been 20 of us! It was a wonderful night that stretched on late, even though Christmas Day was to follow.

It’s very quiet here tonight, little sweetheart. I’m on my own. I’ll make dinner tomorrow, getting the turkey in the oven after morning coffee and will probably watch Midnight Mass from bed in an hour! But as I lay my head down, I’m thinking of you - as ever.

With all my love.