The grandchildren do not speak your father’s German tongue, nor do they wish to do so. They are in a different world, than the one we lived in. Now everyone works, all the mamas as well as the papas. You labored such long hours at the mill, but my work was in the home and I was always here when the children came home from school.”
“Remember our family gatherings of Christmases past? The happy excited voices echoing throughout the house, doors slamming with kids coming in and going out. And do you remember the big Christmas trees that we always had, and that you were the one that climbed the ladder to put the Angel on the top? It was the highlight of the evening, when the little twinkling Christmas lights were turned on after you had finished with it. I watched you grow more unsteady each year that passed, and my heart was in my throat, as I watched your wobbly descent down the ladder.”
“It’s the silence, Leibte. Silence should not be existent on Christmas Eve. Our children and grandchildren don’t come as often as they used to when you were here. They say it is very sad for them to come here, since you passed away, and I know that it is true, in part. Partly true and partly an excuse, is it not, Leibte?”
“Our bed will be particularly cold and empty on this special night, without you, Leibte. The absence of sound will be loud in my ears. In the old days, at this time of evening, you would be here and our children would be here. It seems so long ago, but it was true, was it not Lars?”
“Ah, would it were evening, Lars, and all was well.”
* German words used:
Mein Leibte – My Dear or Dearest
Leibling – Darling
