Page 42 - ThreeGiftsForFlipBook

hug in a long time. Not since his mother died. He could still remember the last hug his mother had given him. She had been in the hospital just before Christmas the year before. She knew she was dying and wanted to spend Christmas at home. Justin’s dad had carried her so lovingly from the hospital out to their car. They had set up a bed for her in the living room so she could be around those she loved. Christmas had always been her favorite time of year. She had always decorated the house and made ginger cookies. That year she had wanted to do it again, but was too weak. Sam’s and Tom’s mothers and many others brought over lots of cookies and presents and Sam and Tom helped Justin decorate the house. It was nice, but Justin had thought that it wasn’t quite like when his mother did it. Having cookies didn’t put the ginger smell in the house from baking them. And no one had the eye for detail in decorating that his mother had had. She tried so hard to hide it that Justin hadn’t realized she was struggling to make sure she lived clear through Christmas. They took a lot more time opening presents that day. It was as if everyone wanted it to last forever. Justin’s dad was starting to make dinner when Tom and Sam stopped by. Tom had big plates of turkey 37