Familial love - part 4 - Christmas

It was Christmas morning. Snow had blanketed the landscape a few days earlier. The roads had already been plowed, while the snow remaining on the sidewalks was slowly turning to ice. The meadows and forests were covered in snow, creating a perfect Christmas idyll.

Karmen parked in a disabled spot in front of the church and placed the disability parking permit on the windshield. She got out, walked around to the passenger door, and helped her husband, Benjamin, step out. She handed him his crutch. "Walk carefully; the path is snowy," she said.

Luka was already standing behind Karmen, observing the scene. He spotted his Uncle Klemen, his wife Petra, his cousin Miha, and his grandparents—that is, Benjamin and Klemen's father and mother. Klemen was pushing his mother in her wheelchair. They approached them and exchanged greetings.

"Good morning, my brother," Klemen said to Benjamin. "Good morning," Benjamin replied, smiling at him. "You look tired," Klemen remarked. "Yes, I am a little tired," Benjamin admitted.

They walked slowly toward the church so Benjamin could keep up. There were already quite a few people inside. Benjamin asked if he could sit down, and someone gave up their seat for him. Klemen and Benjamin’s father sat down as well, as he found it difficult to stand. Their mother remained in her wheelchair. The others stood, as there were no more seats available.

Soon, the Christmas Holy Mass began. Everyone present felt warm at heart. They felt a sense of mutual connection and affection. Sitting during mass allowed Benjamin to connect with spirituality, with the divine. He knew that his body was partially in heaven. He greatly enjoyed listening to the word of God. He felt that his joint pain was lesser here.

After mass, they went to look at the Nativity scene set up in the church. They moved slowly so Benjamin and his father could keep up. Klemen pushed his mother in her wheelchair. The Nativity scene was magnificent and conjured a true Christmas atmosphere.

Then they returned to their cars and drove to Klemen's home. They would have Christmas lunch there. Benjamin and his parents sat down at the table, while Klemen, Petra, Karmen, and both children began preparing the meal. Benjamin watched them enthusiastically. Opposite the table stood a decorated Christmas tree with presents underneath it. Next to them was a beautiful Nativity scene—smaller than the one in the church, but no less wonderful.

"Benjamin, look how hard-working they are," his mother said. "Yes, it's true. Miha and Luka set up this beautiful Nativity scene," Benjamin noted. "And now they are peeling potatoes," his mother added, looking towards the kitchen. "Yes, I see. Maybe I could help with something too," Benjamin said. "Benjamin, it’s better if you rest so nothing goes wrong; I can see you’re tired," said Petra, who always felt great sympathy for Benjamin.

When lunch was ready, Klemen, Karmen, and Petra served it onto plates, and everyone ate with gusto. After lunch, it was time for gift-giving. The presents were already waiting under the Christmas tree. Everyone received a small token.

"Shall we go play outside in the snow?" Luka asked. "Great, let's go," said Karmen. Klemen, Karmen, Petra, and both children went outside, while Benjamin remained indoors with his parents.

After a while, Benjamin decided to go outside and take a look. He stood up, took his crutch, got dressed and put on his shoes, and went out the door. He saw the children sledding. It warmed his heart. He had always loved the snow and winter joys. He remembered how, in childhood, he used to watch Klemen playing and tried to play with him to the best of his abilities. A smile appeared on his face.

When dusk began to fall, Benjamin, Karmen, and Luka said their goodbyes and, all smiling, headed home.