Fiction: A Christmas for Grandma

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A Christmas for Grandma

It was November and the bagpipes, Christmas carols and choirs were already beginning to be heard. Although the weather was still causing people to suffocate, the cold breeze of the Christmas nights was already beginning to be felt, and many commented: "It already smells like Christmas!
-It already smells like Christmas! December will be here soon! -they exclaimed joyfully as if these dates had a different, recognizable and unique smell.

Only in Doña Eugenia's house there was a different feeling: the matriarch of the family was ill and the worst was expected at any moment. Her family doctor had been very precise:

-Doña Eugenia is very old, but she is lucid, aware of everything. So be with her, fill her with love and attention. Make her last days the best.

Doña Eugenia was a mother and grandmother like few others: loving, dedicated, helpful and pampering. Her children and grandchildren adored her, so they would do anything for her:

-I really want to eat a chocolate ice cream like my mother did, with colorful sprinkles and cookies -the old lady would say as if she were a little girl and her family, spoiling her, would buy her favorite ice cream.

November was coming to an end when Doña Eugenia sent for her children and grandchildren:

-As you know, I will soon be reunited with my dear Antonio, who I am sure will be anxious to see me," Antonio was her husband, who had died a long time ago.
-Grandmother, don't say that or you will make us sad," replied one of her grandsons.

-I am not sad, my loves, because I know I will soon be with my other great love. The only thing that makes me sad is not celebrating Christmas with you. To give you sadness and tears these days.

-Mother, you have only filled our lives with love," said one of her sons, holding the old woman's hand in his hands.

-If there is a special time for me, it is this one. Ever since I was a little girl, when Santa brought the presents, the family put up the tree and everything was a party at home, I was very happy. What day is today? How long until Christmas? -asked the old lady with her little bird's eyes.

-Tomorrow is Christmas, Grandma," said one of her grandchildren, looking at the others with a knowing look.

-Yes, it's Christmas!!!! -The others followed him with joy.

From that moment on, Doña Eugenia's house became a celebration: they bought presents, put up the tree and made Christmas meals to commemorate the date. All together, as a family, they shared with the old lady who was happy to see them together and joyful.

In mid-December, Doña Eugenia died. But the family was left with the satisfaction of having made her happy until the last moment, because for her, everyone had anticipated Christmas, because they knew that Christmas is not a date, but the joy of being with family.

Thank you for your reading and comments and see you in the next story, friends.