Archives at Zinester: Starfish: Unwrapped for Christmas, Dee Ann Horvath. Starfish:. Writing

Life was so exciting for me in the fall of 1969 for you see it was my
freshman year at Glenbard North High School. Time just seemed to fly by
with dances, clubs, football, and basketball games, not to mention all the
new kids I was meeting and having to learn the ropes of being a teenager.
I guess I was like most kids my age, I wanted to look and act cool and in
order to play the part you had to look it. On top of everything else the
school board had loosened the dress code and now girls could wear slacks
and blue jeans to school. Granted, a teenage girl can never have too many
clothes but I really didn't have a vast wardrobe. With the holidays fast
approaching I felt I was really in hot water.

Every time we girls got together all we talked about were clothes. The
only other subject that could rival the latest dress fad were boys. The
catch was in order to attract boys you had to have neat outfits. Our
family didn't have much money so my mother, out of necessity, used her
talents to take anything and everything and remodel it. She could totally
recreate a room, a yard, or even clothes with her ingenuity. However, I
thought I was getting too old for remade hand me downs and fixer uppers. I
wanted the real "McCoy" for Christmas. I desired clothes that were
purchased from a department store with all the latest accessories.

I still remember the expectancy and excitement of the last big game and
dance before winter break. All everybody talked about was what he or she
wanted for Christmas. The stage was set with the pompom girls doing a
routine to Jingle Bell Rock (still one of my favorites) and the dance
afterward with the anticipation of meeting more boys. I was floating when
I got home and couldn't wait till Christmas morning to see what Santa had
brought me. My fingers were crossed and I just knew this would be the best
Christmas I had ever had.

It was only a few days before Christmas when I found myself home all alone.
My parents were at work and my younger sister Lori was at a girlfriend's
house. After having lunch I climbed the stairs but instead of going into
my own bedroom I entered my parents'. I think I had one of those moments
when one is totally taken over by their curiosity and all reason flies out
the window. Like in a trance I did the unspeakable. I found them all
neatly wrapped in beautifully colored foil paper and shiny bows in their
secret hiding place, my mother's closet. I know as you are reading this
you are holding your breath wondering if I did the indescribable. I did! I
carefully unwrapped every gift with my name on it and even a few of my
sister's. Well, I had to know if she got something better than I did, didn'
t I? Perspiration broke out on my forehead as I painfully unwrapped and
rewrapped presents trying not to leave any telltale evidence of my
terrible crime. The contents of the parcels left me as low as the dirty
deed I had just performed. Almost all of the gifts were what my
grandmother use to call "Utilitarian gifts." Granted, they were things
that I needed; underwear, slippers, a nightgown, and an ugly blue chenille
robe although warm I just couldn't envision Sandra Dee in it. The only
redeeming gift was a new top in the latest style. I couldn't quite put my
finger on it but there was something about it that sure looked familiar.

Feeling depressed and miserable I was tempted to spill the beans and tell
Lori what to expect from Santa. You know what they say; "Misery loves
company." However, I realized Lori was your typical little sister which
means her lot in life was being a snitch. So I kept my trap shut and
suffered it out. My mother on the other hand was all bubbly and happy. She
seemed so delighted with the gifts she had for us girls. She went on and
on about it knowing how impatient I am was about surprises. I began to
wonder if she knew what I had done.The guilt began to set in but it got
worse when I took a bag out to the garbage and found my mother's favorite
dress all cut to pieces. It was then that I remembered where I had seen
that material before. It was like the top I had unwrapped a few days ago.
Tears came to my eyes when I realized what my mother had sacrificed for my
happiness. Christmas morning I put on an act like never before in my life.
It was an Emmy Award winning performance. I never found out if my mother
knew what I had done. She took it to her grave with her.

One of the best gifts she handed down to Lori and I was her talent of
making a silk purse out of a sow's ear. We appreciate her more now than
we ever did. The Christmas of 1969 will forever haunt me but also enthrall
me for I learned the true meaning of giving of oneself and the unselfish
love of truly a wonderful mother.

Lake Of Dreams
http://hometown.aol.com/ambereye3/

Bio
Born in Chicago Illinois in 1955. Raised partially in Wisconsin and then
returned to the Chicago suburbs in 1965 where I have remained ever since.
Married to my high school sweet heart for over 29 years and we have three
wonderful daughters together. I enjoy life and meeting people. To me every
person is a novel waiting to be read. Some are better reading than others
are but there is always something to be learned. I have always been a
creative and artistic individual. Recently I have found writing poetry and
short stories to be my passion. I find it is a wonderful fulfilling way to
express myself and relieve stress. Best of all it leaves a lasting
impression. I have been published on line and in hard copy. I enjoy
sharing my works with friends, family and acquaintances, many of which
have inspired my writings and have given me the encouragement to realize
my potential. I only hope you enjoy my writings half as much as I enjoyed
writing them.

By
Dee Ann E. L. Horvath
Ambereye3@aol.com