Rhonda Johnson-Saunders Poet Prose

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 December 2, 2015 at 1:02 PM Congratulations Rhonda.

Eve Roper December 1, 2015 at 10:53 PM Rhonda, sad memories are very hard to forget :-( congratulations on your win!

Paul Callus December 1, 2015 at 4:15 PM A sad childhood experience, Rhonda; what a pity this had to happen on Christmas!! Congratulations on this merited win. ~ Regards // paul

Andrea Dietrich December 1, 2015 at 3:52 PM I sure remember this dark one. Congrats. So glad it placed well.

Dan Cwiak December 1, 2015 at 3:32 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 December 1, 2015 at 1:06 PM Rhonda, Congratulations on your Christmas Memory win. Luv **SKAT**

Anne-Lise Andresen December 1, 2015 at 12:05 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 December 1, 2015 at 2:00 AM Congrats Rhonda! Well written. Poetry helps me put some meaning to those experiences. This one touched my heart.

Jan Allison December 1, 2015 at 1:47 AM Dropping back with my congrats Rhonda:-) hugs Jan xx

Viv Wigley December 1, 2015 at 1:34 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 November 30, 2015 at 11:33 PM Sad memory must have had a tough time.. so beautifully penned Rhonda.. congrats on big win!

Sandra Haight November 22, 2015 at 6:10 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 November 20, 2015 at 8:12 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 November 20, 2015 at 9:07 AM my, a sullen holiday with such pathos, rhonda.. beautifully written!..huggs

Dr. Upma A. Sharma November 20, 2015 at 3:51 AM Oh the sad memory i wrote sweet instead by mistake ... really sorry dear.

Dr. Upma A. Sharma November 20, 2015 at 3:49 AM Sweet memory Rhonda so beautiffuly put to words ... best wishes in contest!

David Meade November 19, 2015 at 7:02 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 November 19, 2015 at 8:26 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 November 19, 2015 at 5:58 PM Oh such a sad memory Rhonda - good luck in the contest:-) hugs jan xx Rhonda Johnson-Saunders November 19, 2015 at 8:19 PM Thanks, Jan. I try to learn from the bad memories and treasure the good ones.