By, Nan Claire Falkner
“I’m freezing!” Ann said rubbing her arms.
“Sorry about the furnace honey. Guess we’ll have to sleep by the fireplace tonight.”
“Ooooh you rascal – okay you’re on!” The couple had enjoyed many Christmas days for 46 years having two sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law and six wonderful grandchildren.
But this year was going to be a lonely one for Alan. Ann had lived twenty-one years with the horrid reality that each year, could be her last. Now that she was gone, nothing seemed the same. The Christmas songs brought tears to his eyes.
He looked up and whispered “Merry Christmas my love.”
nanclairefalkner 
“Holidays without Loved Ones” can be a very difficult time. But good memories of them, plus kids, grandkids, other family members and friends will help “Warm the Heart”.
Thanks honey!
What a deeply poignant story about true love.
Thank you anuragbakhski, My twin sister died last February and I’m having a hard time thinking of her passing and how much fun we had during Christmas Vacations.
Awwe, I’m so sorry to hear that Nan. The only silver lining in such tragic situations is that no one can take away one’s memories of the happy times spent together. Stay strong.
Dear anuragbakshi, Thank you for reading my story. This is going to be a hard one, but I have my boys, their wives, and grandchildren to cheer me up. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
So sad. It sounds like a wonderful life together, but holidays will always bring back the memories.
Hi draliman, You’re right, holidays are the worst and everyone has told me that. I’m hoping next year will be easier. Thanks for reading!
A time to remember the good times. Hopefully his extended family will keep him smiling.
Dear Iain: He has two sons and their wives there and that has helped him through a lot so far and six grandchildren! Thanks for reading!
No Christmas without a loved one is a happy experience, but the first one is more poignant than any other. Nicely captured.
Thank you Sandra, I’m hoping next year will be easier but she was my twin – we didn’t look alike at all, but we sure were close – even the husbands are close.
Dear Nan,
This brought tears to my eyes. Holidays are always the hardest, aren’t they? Sending much love and hugs your way.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle, I haven’t felt too cheery thinking about Christmas, but Mike and I went to our three year old granddaughter’s Christmas play and those children were a hoot. Finley (our granddaughter) really did good – we were impressed.
Oh no, another sad story! Poor Alan – but at least he has his wonderful memories.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Hi Susan, Thanks for reading my story. Yes, Alan has many memories and six grandchildren to enjoy that live there too. Happy Holidays!
This one tugged at my heart strings, Nan.
Just a word of critique. I think the story needs a brief transition inserted after the line about the grandchildren. Something to tell the reader that the first half was a memory. Or perhaps, just starting a new paragraph at “This year . . .” Just a thought. Hope you don’t mind.
Hey Russell, Of course I don’t mind – and you’re right. Mike told me this tonight before we went to our three year-old granddaughters Christmas play. Ann really liked you guys. We had a wonderful time on our Mississippi cruise, didn’t we! Merry Christmas Connie and Russell!
Ach. That possibility looms when you’ve been married as long as we have. I don’t let my mind go there.
Dear granonine, I never have until my twin sister died last February. Now all the holidays seem rather different – I still have my husband and WONDERFUL GRANDCHILDREN! I’m hoping next year will be a little easier. Merry Christmas!
I am so sorry. From what I hear, losing a twin is very difficult. Praying for you, Nan.
Goes right to my heart… beautifully told and they were lucky to have had 46 years together!
Alan and Ann ( my twin sister) were married for 46 years and Mike and I had a double wedding with them. It’s been fun!
So wonderful. I only had 20 years with Mick…had hoped for so many more.
So sad… you can never be more lonely than during a holday
Holidays are the worst, so I’m told. My twin died last year and it’s been hard to deal with. Thank you for reading!
if anything, she’s turned into an angel.
Thank you plaridel. Sorry this is so late, but I just read it. I think she is definitely an angel.
You really captured the feeling of loss at the holidays. Well done.
Holidays and birthdays are the worst, so I’m told. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
I hope they realize how lucky they were.
Dear Dawn, They were very lucky indeed. Thank you so very much for reading and commenting!
This is a sad story, Nan. Memories come flooding back on holidays. This will be the first December 24th we haven’t celebrated my late husband’s birthday. My dad died in 1980 on July 4th. Good writing. —- Suzanne
Dear Suzanne, It’s February and I just read your comment – very kind of you. I am so sorry about your Father, I know the feeling of emptiness well. My childhood family is all gone and I’m left here. I am truly thankful for my thoughtful and caring husband who has helped me this past year along with all the children and grandchildren which are sanity savers! Thank you.