Before I melt away

There are some things that are particularily painful during the holiday season. Missing a loved one and having it as an impossibility to physically be with them. Snuggling up with a pet only to think that they will only be with you a short while. Witnessing and then somehow being thrust into a domestic situation. Listening to the loneliness, pain and regret in your mothers' voice.

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On the flipside, there are some things that sparkle during the holiday season. Imagining the look of excitement on my stepsons face when he discovers the gifts left behind by Santa Claus. Dragging a sopping wet brother in from the cold at 2 am where he has spent the last many hours building an abominable snowmonster. Watching the dogs pummel each other with joy in the snow. Making a cashier laugh and watching the frustration melt from her face in the hecticness that is Christmas Eve. Dancing with wild abandon and random laughing fits captured by one determined sibling.

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