I don’t know why I’m deemed so special – or so needy – that a succession of Christmas Ghosts started visiting me during the night, starting almost two weeks ago. I have never really considered myself “Scrooge-like,” but I will admit, my EC might be able to make that case at times.
Regardless as to the “why,” I was wise enough to chronicle these paranormal visits on Facebook, which is where I keep most of my important, personal information. I have listed the following encounters below, in the order they occurred. The last one is a new one that just happened last night. Yes, a visit from a Christmas Ghost, post-Christmas.
December 16
Last night at midnight, the “Ghost of Christmas Present” appeared in my room. He didn’t speak to me – he just pointed and me and laughed. Then he vanished. I feel kinda stupid now.
December 17
Right after the “Ghost of Christmas Present” left last night, the “Ghost of Christmas Future” came and took me into the bathroom. He showed me a giant bottle of blood pressure pills, a catheter bag, and a Bipap mask.
Then he vanished. I think I’m going to skip lunch today.
December 17
I was wondering why “The Ghost of Christmas Past” didn’t show up before the other two last night. I just got an email from him that said, “Sorry about the no-show last night. I reviewed your life and couldn’t find anything interesting enough to justify the trip.”
December 18
A 4th Christmas Ghost visited me last night. He said he was the “Ghost of Christmas Presents.”
He took me on a journey and showed me what people actually did with all the gifts I’ve given them throughout the years. It was disheartening. I was surprised at how many had been re-gifted back to me without me even realizing it.
December 18
The “Ghost of Christmas Past” showed up again last night.
He said” Tonight we are going to revisit some times in your life when you were at your most selfish and uncaring.”
I asked, “What year are you going to take me to?”
He just smirked and said, “Year? We’re just going to take a look at yesterday.”
December 19
The “Ghost of Christmas Present” appeared in my room again last night. He took the calendar off my bedroom wall. First he pointed to today’s date, then he pointed at December 25th. He repeated this three times. Then he pointed at my sleeping wife and whispered the words “You’re screwed.”
Then he vanished. I’m still a little shaken.
December 20
He just cursed at me and disappeared.
Score one for me.
December 24
All I know is that the Ghost of Christmas Present had better bring some Maalox with him.
December 24
The “Ghost of Christmas Past” was late last night. He came at 1:00am. He took me back two hours to 11:00pm, and replayed the scene in my life where my lovely EC couldn’t remember where she hid all the presents. Sadistic ghost.
December 24
The “Ghost of Christmas Future” visited last night. It was terrifying. He didn’t wake me up, but he left a Visa statement on my nightstand.
He went into my room, and returned holding my swimsuit. He burst into hysterical laughter, and vanished.
When I awoke, it took almost a pound of toffee to console me.
December 26
These Christmas Ghosts are definitely messing up my sleep patterns.
That, or there’s more caffeine in fudge than I thought.
December 26
I woke up, and glanced at the clock. It was 3:00am. I looked up and was surprised to find yet another Christmas ghost looming over my bed.
I said, “What are you doing here? Christmas was yesterday. Can’t you guys just leave me alone?”
He just ignored my question and said, “I am the Ghost of Christmas Present, get out of bed, I have things to show you.”
I got out of bed. He took my by the hand.
‘Where are you taking me?” I asked.
“Into the next room.”
“Then why are you holding my hand?”
He let go.
We walked into the family room, and through the kitchen. Wrapping paper, cups, gifts, bows, and pillows were strewn about every room. I was a little embarrassed that we didn’t pick up better the night before. He pointed to the mess and asked, “What do you think of all of this?”
“It’s a disaster.” I replied.
He shook his head. “Wrong, it’s beautiful.”
He then attempted to grab my hand again, but I didn’t let him. He took me into the kid’s playroom where my youngest lay on an air mattress leftover from company the night before. He was curled up in a fuzzy new blanket, sleeping peacefully. The dog lay curled up on his dog pillow beside him. It looked like a Christmas card.
We went through into my daughter’s room. She has been on her own for 6 years now, and is just home for the holiday, but it is still her room. She is all grown up, but lying in bed, she still looked like my little girl. An independent, talented, adult version, who is probably smarter than me – but she will always be my sweet little girl. The ghost whispered,“We need to go out before she starts talking in her sleep again – it’s kinda freaky.”
I was impressed by his knowledge.
He took me to my teenage son’s room. I had to pick my way carefully so as not to trip. The ghost thought this was quite funny as he floated above the floor. “If you would hold my hand, you wouldn’t have to watch where you step.”
“I’ll pass. But thanks.”
I stood and looked at him as he fought to find a comfortable spot on his pillow. He is a restless sleeper. I was surprised to see his feet hanging off the end of the bed. He is growing up so quickly, but growing up so well. He is smart, spiritual, and funny. I admire him so much. His floor? Not so much.
The Ghost forcefully took my hand and said, “This time you have no choice.”
No sooner did he say these words than we were transported through space until we stood at the foot of a bed. In front of us, my eldest son was snuggled up to his new wife, both sleeping peacefully. Such good kids. They did it right, and continue to do it right. He found a girl he adores, who adores him back. They both deserve each other in every good way.
Suddenly we were on our way again, flying at an incredible speed. Across land and sea, until we found ourselves in a beaten-down apartment in a third world nation. I noticed a suit jacket hanging on the back of a chair, and saw my last name on the name tag. My missionary son was asleep nearby. I wanted to wake him, and tell him I love him, and how proud I am of him. But the ghost said, “You can’t talk to him. Besides, you had your 40 minute phone call yesterday – so you need to wait until Mother’s Day.”
He grabbed my hand again, and we were off. Mere moments later, I found myself standing next to my bed, but at the opposite side. Below us, my wife lay sleeping. I was so glad to see that she was asleep. Sleep hasn’t come easy these past few nights. She lost her mother last weekend, and she is grieving. We are grieving. It has been a remarkably difficult Christmas for her, yet she has handled it with strength and grace.
I looked at her face and can’t describe how I felt. My world is wrapped up in her. I wish I could take away her pain, but I know from experience that I can’t – that I shouldn’t even try. I know about eternity. They will be reunited.
The ghost let me reach out and stoke her hair and cheek. Reflexively, she reached up and took my hand, as the tears began to stream down my face. I can’t imagine my life without her.
As I stood there, contemplating the things I had witnessed, I felt the ghost put his hand on my back.
“I must depart,” was all he said.
“Wait!” I gently pulled my hand away from my wife and turned to the ghost. “You can’t leave yet. I have questions.”
“What questions?”
“You are the Ghost of Christmas Present, but what about the others? Are they still coming?”
“No.” He gently replied. “I’m the only ghost that matters. The past is gone, and the future depends on the present. They just visit for dramatic effect, or to mess with you.”
The ghost directed my gaze back towards my sleeping wife. We stood there quietly for a few moments.
I whispered, “But what does all this mean? I don’t understand.”
“Yes you do.”
And he was gone.
I started out perusing your collection of Ghost stories, in case I missed any on FB, then shuddered at your use of the incorrect term “irregardless”, but by the end of the piece was in tears. Very touching, and well written. (-Shelli Ray Gibbons)
Ummm. Thank you?
Not in tears because of “irregardless”…lol. That was just a cringe. I wanted to expound on my thoughts and tears but didnt’ want to make it all about me. I also wanted to ask you to expound upon a portion of the scripture you discussed in the next post, but again, didn’t want to intrude on your grief with my own. Maybe if I bring it up on Facebook, I can get input from your cohorts, too. (-Shelli)
Beautiful and funny. I love it. So sorry about your EC’s mother. My mom passed this time last year and this Christmas was tough for me. She was 93 and had a good life, but it doesn’t matter how old we are…losing your mom is difficult. Thank goodness we know we will see each other again. Blessings to you and your family.
Family is everything. Thanks for the reminder.
That was a good blog post…certainly unique.
This post is beautiful. My heart goes out to you and your wife. Even with our gospel knowledge, death is still hard. May you find the comfort and peace you need each day.
Love and prayers to your EC and family. Death is hard, even with gospel perspective. ((Hugs))
I thoroughly enjoyed this post 🙂 Thank you.
So very sorry for the loss of your wife’s mother. Grieving for the loss of a mother is never easy, especially at Christmas time. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
What I like about this post is that it epitomizes a statement I read the other day that said, “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” Really, taking the moment to think about all the blessings we enjoy in our lives, and the people in it, is more meaningful than opening a billion presents.
I think the cold shivers I felt up and down my spine while reading this were the ghosts confirming the goodness of what you have written. Thank you.
My sympathies to your EC. This is a difficult time of year to deal with that loss.
Sorry of the loss of your mother in law.
Funny turned touching…how do you do it.
Makes me ponder all those lives we touch and that touch us
Great story MMM
I thought I had weird dreams!
http://www.bensopinion.com
This may be my most favorite post, a mix of poignancy, spirituality and funny. Beautifully written.
Beautiful. My prayers are with you at this time. Merry Christmas.
Thank you…again.
Beautiful post! Thank you.
Well this is my second attempt, the first was much more eloquent. Something about beauty wrapped up in laughter. You are a gift, I’m glad I found you. I hope you enjoyed a Happy Christmas, but hope isn’t necessary, your word-painting expressed that remarkably well. May your 2013 begin with wonder and finish with wisdom.
~MSK
This was beautiful, thank you. I just remarked to my husband last night (after coming home from our annual parade of family Christmas gatherings) how our home was such a beautiful mess. There is no clutter I love more than post-Christmas clutter. We’re lucky to live close to all our family, it’s easy to take it for granted. I hope you and your family had a great Christmas.
Well done sir. And love to your EC and family. Loss at any time of the year is hard, but at Christmas it is particularly painful.
Insightful post as always
(crying..a little)This is why I love your blog. My family will soon hopefully look a little like yours. My kids are on good paths, we’re preparing one for a little college and a mission this next year. Christmas puts things in perspective again for me. I I can do is make good use of the present.
Thank you.
(I rely on the fact you are really a MMM. If I ever find out you are a teenage girl, I will haunt you when I’m gone. The excess ham and fudge will seem like a lovely picnic)
Merry Christmas.
Linda:)