Blow the Candle Out

Two Years Ago

David is discharged from the hospital on December 23rd. There was never an explanation of his severe abdominal pain; there often isn’t.

We have everyone at home for at least part of the holidays. Our good friend and blogger, Ellen Patton, does an extensive photo shoot. David looks healthy and strong, smiling through his bushy beard.

Christmas 2016

Our Christmas was gentle, quiet, and peaceful. Peter, Xiomara, and our grandchildren, Andrew, 3 ½, and Victoria, 1 1/3, drove a borrowed pickup truck up from NYC Friday night. Saturday, Xiomara and I made egg nog, Jim did some last minute Christmas shopping, and we enjoyed a lovely fire. Sunday morning we opened a few presents before sacrament meeting at church. In the afternoon we built another fire and roasted marshmallows over the coals.

For me the highlight of the holiday was Monday afternoon. As Victoria’s parents packed their things in the guest room, I entertained Andrew by re-lighting the dinner candles each time he blew them out. After many cycles, he wandered away and I stayed next to little Victoria in her pink fleece hoodie. As I placed a candle in front of her, she pursed her lips and blew the most delicate baby breath imaginable. With each tiny puff the flames bent away from her. For about fifteen minutes, I lit candles and she blew her little girl puffs of air at the flames.

When Xiomara and Peter were ready to go, I invited them into the dining room to see Victoria’s new skill. For the rest of her life, I’ll be the one who taught her to blow a candle out.