I Left My House Empty Three Days Before Christmas

had “other plans.”

All eight grandchildren stayed behind with me.

I inflated air mattresses.

Made hot chocolate.

Found extra blankets.

Picked wrapping paper out of the carpet.

Stayed awake until nearly two in the morning comforting frightened little ones who missed their parents.

The furnace hummed softly through the night while I quietly cleaned the kitchen.continue reading …