Christmas Wishes

                                               Christmas Wishes

         The doll was dressed in a velvet gown the color of concord grapes.  She had real hair arranged in long blond curls and her shoes were silver. A feather boa completed the outfit.  Marie saw her daughter’s eyes shining as she looked at it through the glass.  The shop window was arrayed for Christmas and filled with toys but the doll was all Caroline was seeing.

         Marie sighed knowing that doll would never be Caroline’s though no little girl deserved it more.  Since Peter hurt his back their only income was what she made in the dress factory.  Paying the rent and buying food was all she could hope for.  This was not going to be a Merry Christmas.

         It was getting dark and colder and Peter was home alone.  They had to get back.  Peter came out of the bedroom leaning on his cane as they entered the apartment.  His face creased with pain as he walked but he forced a smile.  The apartment was chilly.  The heat was off again.

         Marie lit the oven and began preparing supper.  She opened cans of tuna and Campbell’s soup.  When the water boiled she put the noodles in to cook. 

         Marie called them to the table.  “I wish I had a nice hot tuna and noodle casserole for my loves to eat tonight.  I wish I had a big glass of milk to give my good girl.”

         Peter said, “I wish we were all together around the table on Christmas Eve.”

         Caroline laughed.  “We have all that.”

         Peter joined hands with his wife and daughter.  “Let’s give thanks.”

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