Author’s note: These characters are not my own, just enhanced with a little inspiration. The poem at the end is one verse from the hymn Father in Heaven by Angus S. Hibbard.
Quoting Sara Lewis in "Rewriting My Life" Good Housekeeping August 2000: "Sometimes you just have to abandon your original plot outline altogether… Once you’ve established your character, when you’ve found that critical, defining detail, you just have to get out of the way and watch what happens."
Christmas Angel
By Psoup
The large man wearily set down his briefcase and fumbled for his key. He hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in weeks. The stress of starting his own business compounded by his worry for his wife’s health had left him completely drained. He turned the key in the lock and swung open the door. His nine year old daughter sat in the middle of the floor her soft white nightgown billowing around her like a cloud. Huge violet eyes stared at him then began to glow as she smiled shyly at him. In two strides he had her up in his arms in a tight embrace. Holding her close he looked around the room. He saw she had been straightening up the boys’ blocks and puzzles. The small, three-bedroom apartment was dark and quiet. Setting her down he walked into the tiny galley kitchen. A "Charlie Brown" tree was propped up on the floor in the corner. It was decorated with strands of popcorn, minus several pieces, a paper chain and paper snowflakes. The thin, raven-haired girl whispered, "Daddy, sit down and I’ll fix you a plate."
Glancing at her, he asked, "How was school today?"
Diana flushed and turned away.
"You didn’t go again did you." He added kindly but firmly. "Di, I know you want to help your mother but you must go to school. I made some phone calls today. The boys will stay with Mrs. Gardner while you and I are gone during the day."
A tear trickled down her cheek. "I’m sorry, Daddy. I feel like I can’t leave Mother alone with all these babies. There is so much to do. Daddy! She cries all the time."
Edward Lynch nodded sadly. "I understand. I want to stay home with her too, but I can’t. Mrs. Belden will be stopping by every day to help your mother for a few hours. Mother needs to rest and recover from her surgery. You can help with the boys as soon as you get home from school. I know Larry and Terry love to play outside in the snow and go for walks with you."
Di giggled through her tears. "I love playing with the twins. They are so cute." She set a warm plate of food on the table in front of him. "Mrs. Halvorson brought us this yummy casserole for dinner. Even the boys liked it."
Just then a weak cry could be heard from the bedroom. Another soon joined it. Di and her father both hurried into the bedroom to quiet the week-old baby girls before their crying woke their sleeping toddler brothers. Edward leaned down to kiss his wife who was lying on the bed next to the cradles. "How do you feel, my love."
"I hurt. I didn’t realize I would be so sore after the Cesarean." Carefully sitting up, Elizabeth Lynch moaned. Her already pale face blanched in pain. Due to the complications of toxemia and high blood pressure and signs of fetal distress, the babies were taken prematurely during the emergency surgery. "I’m probably in pretty good shape considering all that has happened."
Handing her the wiggling pink bundle, he placed a pillow behind her back. Gently he stroked her cheek then smoothed his infant daughter’s dark, downy hair.
Elizabeth cradled the nursing baby to her breast. "Precious little Natalie. Fill your little tummy so you can grow strong like your big sister Diana."
In the rocker by the window, Di sat consoling a fussy infant. "Hush Kimberlie. Wait your turn. Tally will be finished soon." Rocking gently, she softly sang, "Silent Night, Holy Night."
Edward looked around the crowded room before he picked up a snapshot from the dresser and sat on the foot of the bed. He thoughtfully stared at the photo of three tiny babies. His wee little daughters nestled in their mother’s arms. He couldn’t control the flood of emotions as his hand started shaking. Why was she taken from us?
"Edward." Tenderly Elizabeth watched him, sharing his grief. "The Lord has her now. He is holding her in his bosom." She paused wiping her streaming eyes. "I thank him every day for allowing us to keep these two beautiful girls." Elizabeth shifted the baby she held. She eyed her eldest daughter in the suddenly still rocker. The serious countenance belied her youth. These last few months had been so difficult. How is Diana coping? "Diana, please bring Kimmy over. Tally is full."
Di hugged her sister before moving to her mother’s side. In a tangle of babies and blankets Elizabeth pulled Diana into her arms. "I love you so much. I am so grateful for your help." She looked into her daughter’s eyes. "We will be just fine."
Di tucked in Kimberly then picked up Natalie and handed her to her father. Snuggling next to him she reached for the picture of the triplets. "I wish I could have held Amberlie just once."
Her father put his arm around her. "I ache to hold her again, too. But because she was stillborn we were only allowed to hold her briefly before they took her away. She was beautiful. Her tiny body just wasn’t strong enough." Looking at the baby sleeping on his lap he sighed, "your other sisters needed us. I am so grateful to the nurse who took this picture." His voice broke. "Amberlie will always be a part of our hearts, part of our family. We will never forget our Christmas angel."
Filled be our hearts with peace beyond comparing,
Peace in thy world, and joy to hearts despairing.
Firm is our trust in thee for peace enduring,
Ever enduring.
The End