Black Diamonds: A Child's Joy & Loss

It was three weeks before Christmas, December 7th, to be exact, and the year was 1942. We had had several snows previously. Afterwards, the roads became frozen and dangerously slick, with a glassy surface covering the fallen snow. Once again snowflakes were falling, filling early evening air with a misty fogginess, setting the stage for Christmas yet to be.

When snow would cover the hillsides, a feeling of peacefulness would overshadow the area. The snow stopped after awhile, and the sky cleared to a soft bluish-grey in color. The tiny crystal stars twinkled magically, with the moon suspended above. That was the scene of a cold winter’s night in eastern Kentucky.

Special care was taken by the community to make sure everyone was assured of a merry Christmas. Baskets were given to families who were in need, warm clothing stitched and distributed. Toys, games and dolls were given to the little ones. A New Testament, with the wondrous story of Christ’s birth was politely placed inside the basket. After all, it was a celebration of the birthday of Jesus!

That evening, we had finished supper, and mother was clearing the table. We children and dad were nestled around the fireplace listening to dad joking and telling stories. “When you’re finished come join us!” Dad called to Mother. “Be right there, I’m making some hot chocolate!” Mother answered.

We sat in front of the flickering fire, laughing and teasing one another, as if time were standing still. Little did we realize we were creating memories we would never forget in years to come. Never suspecting that time was running out for our time as a family together, it seemed to us that that particular Christmas was a perfect Christmas. I ponder today whether it was because God knew that the next Christmas and many thereafter for some years, would be extremely difficult for our family that he blessed us with such a wonderful, magical holiday that year. I think so!