IT WON'T BE LIKE BEFORE

IT WON’T BE LIKE BEFORE
By,
Kathleene S. Baker

I haven’t been home for Christmas
Since my Mama passed away.
We’ve been celebrating at my house,
And Dad comes for a nice long stay.

Even once grown, I’d think of home,
As the holidays grew near.
I couldn’t always make the trip
Yet my heart was always there.

My age made not a difference
When it came to the holidays.
'Cause going home for Christmas
Washed all those years away.

Family traditions that never changed
Made it special being home.
And made me feel like a kid again,
No matter how far I’d roamed.

Over many years I gathered
A treasure trove of memories.
Such as aromas from Mom’s kitchen
And her secret recipes.

But this year Dad needn’t travel.
I’ll be home for Christmas day!
Tho it won’t be like it was before,
Now that Mama’s gone away.

I’ll smile as I fight back my tears,
When we’re greeted at the door.
'Cause Dad will open it all alone,
No, it won’t be like before.

On Christmas day I’ll slip away
To go visit with my Mom.
I'll place a wreath upon her grave
While wishing she wasn’t gone.

I know her spirit will surround us,
As we celebrate this year.
Smiling down upon the family
That she loved and held so dear.

Lnstrlady@aol.com
©2004 Kathleene S. Baker

Story ID:	3258
Written by:	Kathleene S Baker (bio, link, contact, other stories)
Story type:	Story
Writers Conference:	My Favorite Holiday Story
Location:	Plano Texas USA
Year:	2003
Person:	Mother