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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Christmas Carols/Carolling (10/02/08)
O’ come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant… (1)

I watch the carolers, children on a mission. Their voices lift in sweet melody. My heart swells as my little angel on the front row smiles revealing the missing two front teeth. We lock eyes; her extra-large grey eyes shine with excitement.

Suddenly, I am hearing a different song, long ago.

************
Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King! (2)

We file in, two by two. Our instructions were clear…

“We’re going to surprise everyone! Make your voices big, just like we rehearsed.” Teacher says with a grin. We can hardly wait. This is the night of our big entrance; we know our dads and moms are waiting.

My stomach feels like thousands of butterflies have taken up residence, while my mouth feels like I have been sucking on cotton. Teacher leads the way down the center aisle of the church. She reaches the podium, turns to face us, and takes in a deep breath. She smiles big showing all her sparkling white teeth. She directs us to square our shoulders and continue our march until we have reached our designated positions on the platform.

My eyes scan the crowd. The sanctuary lights dim, making it difficult to find Mom and Dad. I am determined, though, and I spot them, just under the chandelier covered with stained glass, tossing soft red, orange, blue and gold hues on them.

My voice swells; I hope they can hear me.

And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing. (3)

*****************
Hark! The herald, angels sing, glory to the newborn King… (4)

My little angel’s voice rises above the rest. Once again she captures my attention. I feel dampness on my face, reaching my hand up; I realize I have been weeping. My sweet angel's beauty glows brightly, tugging at the strings of my heart. Her angelic voice carries me on wings to yester-year; days when my own voice joyously rose in song to celebrate the birth of my Lord, Jesus.

*****************
“Grandma, did you hear me?” My little angel awakes me from my reverie.

“I sure did, Angelica! You were magnificent!” I pull her into my embrace, and hold tight.

*****************
(1)O Come, All Ye Faithful by John F. Wade
(2)Joy to the World by Gerald F. Handel
(3) ““
(4)Hark! The Herald Angels Sing by Charles Wesley, Felix Mendelssohn
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This article has been read 1348 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
10/10/08
Sweet story!

I kept waiting for some conflict, either in the "present" or in the flashback...something to take it past the "granddaughter's concert" to the next level. Something to consider, if you ever expand this.

I long for a little Angelica of my own!
Marlene Austin
10/11/08
Nice comparison of the "present-day" event to the MC's memory of a similar event. Good job. :)
Marita Vandertogt
10/12/08
Very nicely written - I like the descriptions, especially the coloured hues of the lights on her parents... gave the memory a very real feeling. I enjoyed this very much.
Verna Cole Mitchell 
10/14/08
I like how you tied your granddaughter's singing in the program to your own memory of doing the same.
Joy Faire Stewart
10/15/08
This reads like a true event and I love that. Great Christmas memories.
Norma-Anne Hough
10/15/08
Memories like these are precious. Lovely story.
Norms
Shelley Ledfors
10/15/08
I like this sweet "past and present" story. This piece has a very nice feel to it.
Beth LaBuff 
10/15/08
Tender moments captured in your writing (and definitely writing this Grandma can relate to). I could "hear" the carols being sung and the little voices singing from their hearts. :)
Leah Nichols 
10/16/08
Very nice entry! I think the word count must have got you - I definitely wanted to read more. :) BTW thanks for the very sweet comment on my piece....shucks....thanks!!! I like reading your stuff too!
Lyn Churchyard
10/16/08
Oh, this was so sweet. I have five grandchildren, so I can fully relate to your MC listening to little Angelica singing. Beautifully told.