Legacy of the Dreams

Chapter 79 - Meditations for Christmas Eve

Those still up at the Abernathy's house stared at one another in the living room after the Wilsons went out the door. The grandfather clock in the room struck eleven, and all but the youngest children were all still up. That wasn't so bad for the teens; but for those who were younger, the hour was very late.

"Susan, what is Melody doing up?" Greg asked.

"She was awake, sitting up in her bed when Karen and I went to check on her and Payton," Susan said.

"Why are you awake?" Greg asked their daughter.

"Father working, Papa," she told him seriously.

"Melody, the Lord moves in our lives every day. I agree, this evening He has been working overtime for our friends and family, but right now the hour is very late. It is time for everyone, including you to go to bed," Greg said firmly.

"He generally means it when he says it like that," Julie cautioned her little sister.

"Is it time for bed, Mama?" Jessie asked.

"Yes. Its two hours past your bedtime, Jessie. Get your pajamas on, say your prayers, and go right to bed," Susan told her.

"Should I take a shower?" Jessie asked.

"You can do it in the morning," Susan said.

"What about me, Mom?" seventeen-year-old Zack asked.

"You don't have to go to bed if you don't want to, but I would appreciate it if you could move your activities to your bedroom. The rest of the family is going to bed," Susan said.

"Yes, we are," Julie agreed, and she went downstairs to have a word with her boys.

Jenny stood up and yawned. "This was such fun, meeting Mr. and Mrs. Wilson. They are fascinating people, and so nice. No wonder they and John and Karen have become such great friends."

"They are very good people," Greg agreed and he began turning off lights.

"Good night, Greg. We'll see you in the morning," Neil said, speaking for Rosemary and himself.

"Sleep well," Greg said.

Then Greg helped Susan put Melody back to bed while the rest of the family said goodnight and turned in too.

c

Despite the late evening on December 23rd, people were up early on Sunday at the Abernathy house on the morning of Christmas Eve. Alan, Cindy and their family were up early trying to pack, eager to leave for home after visiting for a week. With half a mind to get out of the Abernathys way as soon as possible, in order to allow Susan and her family to prepare for Christmas, they were also anxious to start their long drive back to Oakland in their new mini-van.

Julie and her family were planning to leave too. Knowing Susan's family was there for the Christian holiday, prompted them to be up and ready to leave for home before Susan and those going with her left for church.

Neil and Rosemary left too, but they promised to be back later in the day, once they retrieved more of their things from the Zimmerman's garage.

"Are you really going to stay here until you move?" Julie asked the expectant couple as all three families did their best to get out the door.

"Until the baby comes, yes," Neil said. "This is a much better place for us rather than trying to stay with the Zimmermans."

Everyone going home left about the same time Susan, Melody and the Christian members of her extended family left for church. And so by mid-morning, the house was nearly empty, with only Greg, Reuben, and Jessie at home.