Through The Fog

(Bonus) The Canary in The Christmas Tree

Last Christmas, it flew straight in and perched where the star was supposed to be. We took turns shaking our hands and shooing it, but the canary just watched us, knowing it had a secure position in a fragile place.

"Leave it." A gentle suggestion came from my grandfather who was sitting in the plush chair directly opposite the tree. I turned and planted a kiss on his forehead. He smiled up at me before tilting his head, turning his attention back to the bird. I followed his eyes and saw the bird cock his head to mimic him.

I sat beside my grandfather quietly while thoughts of taking pictures of the moment circled in and out of my mind until it was time for him to leave. We all bid him farewell with hugs, kisses and happy goodbyes. Even the canary chirped and chimed in, sharing its voice with us for the first time. It sang until grandad closed the door behind him, flying out over his head.

This Christmas, there is no canary in a tree or chirping in the house and no grandad sitting in his plush chair. Only me wishing he was, with a camera in my hand, taking pictures of everyone present, cherishing every moment.

***

Merry Christmas!

First of all, thank you all for the support you've given me throughout this journey! This story was written in the spirit of the others in this book. For those of you grieving the loss of someone even if it's not recent, my thoughts and prayers are with you. This is a happy season but I wanted to remind all of us (grieving or not) to love like there is no tomorrow.

Secondly, I've hit a mental roadblock trying to finish TTF. But it's still my goal and wish to honour my grandfather in completing it (sooner rather than later).

Please don't give up on me! Have a great Christmas and a prosperous 2022.