The Best Christmas

She was tiny, just over five pounds when we brought her home from the hospital. It was Christmas Eve, her birth a few days before had been quick and uneventful, though the maternity floor was crowded. I spent several hours in labour on a bed in the corridor because rooms were unavailable. 

Being so close to Christmas, mothers were anxious to go home, many with other children waiting for them. Then, after a flurry of activity on Christmas Eve morning, mothers left with their babies. Fathers, some new to the title like Rick, were delighted though anxious as they escorted their families out of the hospital. Their journey as a family had begun.

My brother, Frank was with us as we started our journey home to Buchans, Newfoundland. He came to Grand Falls to see his niece. That night, he stayed with Claire as we went to Church at midnight, a family tradition. Claire did not wake while we were gone.

Within days, Claire's grandparents, from both sides of the family, visited and found her in a carrier under our Christmas tree, waiting for them. That was our best Christmas in spite of the anxiety of new parenthood. This baby, like all children, was an incredible gift and she continues to be a blessing. Now we are grandparents to two sweet little girls. The wonder continues.

Happy birthday, darling daughter. We never could have imagined the joy you would bring to our lives.