Christmas Memories by Debby Myers

Here we are. One more month in the year. Another year gone by. We all say it. Time goes by too quickly. December is a special time. The month of the birth of Jesus. Christmas. A time that we all look forward to for different reasons. Being 59, of course, I’ve seen that many Christmases. Why is it that some stand out over the others?

My first Christmas memory dates back to when I was five years old, waiting patiently at Grandma Gigi’s house for one of my aunts to start handing out presents. Gigi loved to cook, so every Christmas morning she got up before dawn and prepared a feast. At least it looked like one to a little girl. All the comfort foods were there – the best fried chicken I’ve ever had, noodles, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans seasoned with bacon, buttered fresh corn cut off the cob, homemade biscuits with her special jam. And for dessert, her own cobbler and coconut cake. Gigi wouldn’t let us open presents until we stuffed ourselves first. That’s my first memory.

When I was around seven, my Grandma Betty let us come over to hang big shiny red balls on her Christmas tree. It wasn’t a traditional tree. The branches were silver tinsel. After the red balls were hung, she turned on the rotating light that shined a rainbow of different colors on the tree making it the most beautiful Christmas tree I believed I had ever seen.

Then there was the year I remember crying and crying because there was no snow for Christmas. Since there was no snow, I was convinced that Santa wouldn’t come. Mom struggled to make ends meet. I wanted a suede bomber jacket like my close friends had. I wanted it so much, but I knew mom couldn’t afford a coat that cost $100. (I thought that was a lot). Instead of asking for it, I asked for something else, and now I don’t even remember what that was. But guess what? Mom knew how much I wanted that coat. When I opened my gift on Christmas Eve with all of my family on my mom’s side there, I got my suede coat! I screamed. I hugged and kissed mom. I put it on and wore it the entire evening. I remember thinking she must have sacrificed something to get it for me. And I can’t remember ever being happier about a Christmas gift - even now.

Of course, there are many more Christmases that come to mind.

The year I was heartbroken because my older cousin revealed there was no Santa Clause.

The next memory of a Christmas holiday that stands out was when I was in seventh grade. My parents had divorced, and we moved into a trailer next to Hillcrest Lanes (remember the fun we all had there back then).

The year I went to my first candlelight service at church with a friend in high school. I was in awe of the love that touched me and made me a believer in the true meaning of the holiday.

The year I had moved to Texas with my ex, who had joined the army. I didn’t know anyone yet. I couldn’t afford to buy my own daughter Christmas gifts and a neighbor that I barely knew handed me (yes, gave it me) money and took me shopping for her.

The year I bought my oldest granddaughter a red velvet dress with white fur. She was only a year old, but she twirled around and around saying she was ‘soooo pitty’. She was the life of the party.

The year that I finally got to see my dad just before Christmas. He was in prison for habitual DUI arrests, and it had been nearly ten years that he’d been gone. He met my two daughters, his granddaughters, that day for the very first time. That Christmas will remain in my heart as one of my best, since he passed away suddenly one month later. 

We all know I could go on. There are even some years of my life I don’t remember Christmas at all. I hope hearing my memories will bring out many of your own. Be sure to share them with your grandkids.

"May your days be merry and bright and may all your Christmases be white."

Debby Myers has enjoyed writing since she was a little girl. She has just completed her third novel, the last installment of “The Vee Trilogy.”

In her spare time she directs plays for Ole Olsen Memorial Theater. She is a member of the Indiana Thespians judging high school theater competitions. Debby’s favorite pastime of all is spending time with her five grandchildren.

Her books are all available now on Amazon or get a signed copy directly from her by contacting her on her Facebook page “The Vee Trilogy.” 

Vex and Valor by Debby Myers #WindowOvertheSink

Ebook Cover

When I was in first grade, our teacher asked us to write a story about anything we wanted. It could be something true or we could make something up. Although I don’t remember a lot about first grade, I do remember how excited my teacher was about my story. She gave me a permission slip to take to my mom so she could submit my story to children’s magazines to be published. The story was about a little girl who loved daisies. It was accepted by Children’s Digest and Highlights. Miss Gustafson told me she knew I would write a novel one day.

Since then, I’ve written many other short stories. I took every writing class I could in high school. My creative writing teacher said I had a gift. All I knew was that I loved to write! I was going to be a writer! Of course, then came…life.

When I was 20, I moved to Texas with my ex and my oldest daughter. I hated it and I started a journal that I later converted to a book. A few friends read it, but I was young and didn’t pursue it any further. I’d written it on an old word processor, so it’s lost now.

The next 30 years I dedicated to raising my children and working. I still took every

chance I could to write. I worked in radio, where I got to write news stories and ad copy. I worked as an Assistant Director of Development, where I composed a newsletter, donor profiles, and performance reviews. I ran a day care, writing original stories for the kids we watched. I was part of a non-profit, as well as a large corporation, where I wrote quarterly newsletters. But no novels.

About 10 years ago, I met Liz through our theater group. I was in awe of her knowing her accomplishments as a best-selling author. One day she asked me to write a story for her blog about directing plays. Since she’s been kind enough to let me write several more about: my multiple sclerosis, being in flying trapeze in the circus here, my father-in-law’s death, generation gaps with our children, depression, the death of my daughter’s baby when she was five months pregnant, being a best friend, even our cat’s disappearance for three months before he was found. I think she gave me writing fever again!

As the days of the pandemic went on…and on, I decided to start writing again to pass the time. At first, I wasn’t really serious about it. Yet the more I wrote, the more I liked what I was writing. I kept going. I am beyond thrilled to have had my first REAL novel published just last week. It is fiction with a culmination of my life experiences.

Paperback Cover

Vex and Valor is the story of two families from different sides of the tracks. Tim and Vee Crawford are the parents of four children who are lifelong residents of Brookton, PA. Georgia and Zeke Hayes struggle to make ends meet after moving four of their seven children there from Tennessee.  They become intertwined through the marriage of their two youngest children, Ella Crawford and Ben Hayes.

The story begins with a fight between the married couple. The argument is overheard by their two young children hiding in a closet with their 10-year-old daughter watching through a crack in the closet door. Following the altercation, a neighbor finds Ella unconscious with no witnesses as to what happened to her. And her children are missing.

As Ella fights for her life, the children are found. Both she and Ben’s families gather, all waiting on word of Ella’s condition and looking for answers. Many believe it was an accident, while others, who know Ben drinks too much, think he may have caused this to happen. 

The saga begins in 1969 and takes place over three days. We are transcended into the lives of Ella and Ben’s families. The book is written in two sections. The chapters are short, moving from character to character and place to place. In section two, we watch the families become even more entangled and continue to search for answers about Ella. We meet new characters as we see the Crawford and Hayes grandchildren grow into adults, each with their own accomplishments and problems. The story comes to a climax when the truth about Ella is finally revealed.   

I’m pleased to say the book is available on Amazon in paperback or eBook. I’ve had a few challenges already. The cover was wrong on the paperback the first time, I found a few typos (that’s what happens when you self-publish, self-edit), and the chapter breaks are off in the eBook. But overall, I’m pleased. In its first week, it has sold better than I expected. Of course, all of my family and friends are the buyers so far. I’m hopeful some of you will check it out too!

The title Vex and Valor comes from the words tormented and fearless. As you meet the characters, you’ll see these attributes in the lead and in many of the characters. I also chose the title hoping to keep the stories of the Hayes and Crawford families going. I’m considering a three book V series to include Vows and Verdicts and Vengeance and Victors.

As a writer, it’s not really about how the book sells, but more of a feeling of accomplishment at its completion, the end product. I had so much fun writing it – I want others to have just as much fun reading it! Thank you, Liz, for letting me share it today with your readers!

Vex and Valor is available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08VTT9174

When Duane and I had lunch at the Farmhouse Cafe at 97 W. Harrison in Denver one day last week we chowed down, enjoying every bite, and talked to Missy Yocum. Then we left, waving as the door closed behind us. 

We got to the car before we realized we hadn't paid for our lunch. I didn't ask her, but I'd venture to say chasing recalcitrant customers down the sidewalk isn't Missy's favorite part of the business she owns and operates with her husband Dan. 

But every other part seems to be. The cafe is comfortable, the food is good, and there's always someone to talk to! The phone number, if you want carryout or to order ahead, is (765) 985-3000. The hours are as follows. Just remember it's a pandemic and sometimes things have to be changed. 

Monday:

6:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Tuesday:

6:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday:

6:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday:

6:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday:

6:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday:

6:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Sunday:

CLOSED