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A Christmas Memory

A Christmas Memory, 1985 The porch, decked in lights, said “Merry Christmas!” when we couldn’t utter the words. Our newly decorated Fraser Fir was a casualty of war that year, but my brother and I were the real victims. My mom and step-dad were battling again, weapons drawn. Neither retreating, they unwrapped and returned each other's gifts. I spent Christmas Eve at the mall, then wrapped dutifully all night. By Rhonda Johnson-Saunders, 11/19/15 for the Contest, A Christmas Memory (Sponsor: Broken Wings)

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Nayda Ivette Negron Flores

Date: 12/2/2015 1:02:00 PM

Congratulations Rhonda.

Eve Roper

Date: 12/1/2015 10:53:00 PM

Rhonda, sad memories are very hard to forget :-( congratulations on your win!

Paul Callus

Date: 12/1/2015 4:15:00 PM

A sad childhood experience, Rhonda; what a pity this had to happen on Christmas!! Congratulations on this merited win. ~ Regards // paul

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 12/1/2015 3:52:00 PM

I sure remember this dark one. Congrats. So glad it placed well.

Dan Cwiak

Date: 12/1/2015 3:32:00 PM

Congrats Rhonda, on the win. You must have loved them very much, even if you were made to stay wrapped up. I am glad you unwrapped this memory.

Skat A

Date: 12/1/2015 1:06:00 PM

Rhonda, Congratulations on your Christmas Memory win. Luv **SKAT**

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 12/1/2015 12:05:00 PM

- It is rare that I participate in anyone contest ...... however, this was so nice - Many great and some sad memories we shared - Congratulations with your poems, Rhonda :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Susan Gentry

Date: 12/1/2015 2:00:00 AM

Congrats Rhonda! Well written. Poetry helps me put some meaning to those experiences. This one touched my heart.

Jan Allison

Date: 12/1/2015 1:47:00 AM

Dropping back with my congrats Rhonda:-) hugs Jan xx

Viv Wigley

Date: 12/1/2015 1:34:00 AM

Families can be tough, and bizarrely get tougher at the one time of year when all should be laid aside. Great write, Rhonda, well done. Viv x

Dr. Upma A. Sharma

Date: 11/30/2015 11:33:00 PM

Sad memory must have had a tough time.. so beautifully penned Rhonda.. congrats on big win!

Sandra Haight

Date: 11/22/2015 6:10:00 PM

Such a sad memory, but so beautifully expressed, Rhonda. I was glad to read your reply to David that this is behind you now. All the best for the contest. Hugs, Sandra

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 11/20/2015 8:12:00 PM

wow, you went to the dark side. Very good idea for it. I have no CLUE what to do for this simple contest!!(I love the way you ended this one. I know that feeling)

Nette Onclaud

Date: 11/20/2015 9:07:00 AM

my, a sullen holiday with such pathos, rhonda.. beautifully written!..huggs

Dr. Upma A. Sharma

Date: 11/20/2015 3:51:00 AM

Oh the sad memory i wrote sweet instead by mistake ... really sorry dear.

Dr. Upma A. Sharma

Date: 11/20/2015 3:49:00 AM

Sweet memory Rhonda so beautiffuly put to words ... best wishes in contest!

David Meade

Date: 11/19/2015 7:02:00 PM

Emotional violence wounds deeply especially the young heart! What I find comforting is knowing that this memory does not taint the love you have for your family! Not all memories are good but they don't have to define us.

Rhonda Johnson-Saunders
Date: 11/19/2015 8:26:00 PM

Yes, emotional abuse wounds deeply. There was physical violence between them (that's how we lost the Christmas tree) but my brother and I were never physically abused. My scars are emotional. I still love my family very much and forgive them for the mistakes they made...thanks for caring, David. You are a kind soul.

Jan Allison

Date: 11/19/2015 5:58:00 PM

Oh such a sad memory Rhonda - good luck in the contest:-) hugs jan xx

Rhonda Johnson-Saunders
Date: 11/19/2015 8:19:00 PM

Thanks, Jan. I try to learn from the bad memories and treasure the good ones.