The Christmas Morning Promise

Christmas Bubble Glass Stars Christmas Tree

A special Irish Ring can remind us of old times...I was in the 2nd year of college when we met, he was an English major and I was in the sciences when we found each other at the same party one Friday evening. Our encounter was only a few seconds, but it was the first time we engaged in conversation.

After that brief meeting, we had seen each other on campus a couple of times and smiled as we passed each other until another chance meeting just after Thanksgiving break at a local pizza shop. We again engaged in subtle conversation over a small pepperoni pie.

After an hour, we agreed to go out that Friday evening for a drink and dinner at one of the local restaurants. I was not that interested, but had been intrigued with his demeanor and willingness to listen intently when I talked, a very rare quality in most men.

Once the date was out of the way, I felt that unfamiliar pang and wanted to spend more time with him. We had spent a great deal of time together up until Christmas break. I found out his family was of Irish descent and that he was brought up by his mother after his father died when he was 5 years old. As Christmas was approaching and mid-terms were looming, our time together was limited and more precious as we had becoming more and more infatuated with each other.

On the eve of my trip back home, we had met for coffee. Since I had an early flight back home, I knew our time would be limited and our time together was even more special. After several minutes, when he felt the time was right, he pulled out a small package and gave it to me. I promised not to open until Christmas morning, and we gently kissed goodbye. The snow had begun to fall.

My flight home was uneventful and I did not feel as excited as I usually did. I was emotionally torn between seeing them and not seeing my new found love, who I had left the evening before.

After arriving at home and seeing everyone, I had wanted to give him a call several times to tell him I missed him, but felt it was too soon. I did not want to scare him off by badgering him on a daily basis. I thought I would wait until Christmas after opening his gift.

Each day was a struggle not to pick up the phone, but I could think of nothing else. I was distracted from the typical family gatherings and nights out with my friends. Finally, Christmas morning arrived and I found myself more excited than previous years. Christmas was always special, but it seemed to have a bit more meaning this year as I anticipated opening the small package he had given me.

I knew it would be something special, and pulled the package from my drawer where I had placed it when I came home. It was neatly wrapped in green paper with a white bow. I was amazed at how well it was wrapped, as guys are known to fail miserably in this department.

I gently opened the package and could feel the excitement building as I made it through the paper and saw a small wooden box. On top was a cream colored card with an Irish poem written on the inside. My eyes welled up as I read it and opened the small wooden box. Inside, I found a small silver and gold Irish ring sitting in a white satin pillow.

My heart was pounding and my thoughts were reeling. I composed myself and picked up the phone... that was 27 years ago, and to this day your grandfather still takes my breath away.

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