Irene was in the hospital, having just given birth to Kenny Buckley, born on December 22. The year was 1961. Ken and I arrived for Christmas and of course, we wanted to see the new baby, but we were not allowed. In those days, the hospitals were rigid about visitation hours. Ken went with Dave, the father, to the hospital. Ken hung his stethoscope around his neck and the two men walked through the hospital to see Irene and the baby. Ken was a medical student at the time. No one batted an eye at the two of them, although Irene was surprised to see them at that time of the evening. Ken reported back to me that Kenny was a beautiful baby.
At another Christmas in Ancaster, very late on Christmas Eve, we were putting the presents under the Christmas tree when we spotted a toboggan being given to Norm. We decided to try it out. Right beside Dave and Irene's house was a small hill, so Ken and I headed out sledding. The night was beautiful, clear and bright. When we were finished, we left the toboggan on the front stoop. After the presents were opened on Christmas day, Dave told Norm to look outside. He was delighted to have a toboggan but commented that the toboggan was used. He was not amused We told her that Santa Claus had used it. We certainly never admitted it was us, until many years later.
For years, Ken and I spent Christmas with Dave and Irene and their family, first in Dundas and then Ancaster. We had happy times, and now have wonderful memories, with plenty to warm our hearts each Christmas.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment