I called Mom while I was shopping and asked, “Should I bring chocolate cake or apple pie for Christmas?” – Welcome

anyway.

Coffee.

Dinner rolls.

Even a package of batteries because Dad had mentioned needing them for his thermostat.

At checkout, the cashier smiled.

“Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas.”

Somehow, my voice sounded normal.

Outside, the Ohio sky was a hard winter gray.

I loaded the groceries into my car and sat behind the steering wheel without starting the engine.continue reading …