A Star For Daniel, MMHC 2006 Options

[Peterpan]

A Star For Daniel (539 words)

Daniel was awakened by a brilliant light in his bedroom. He pulled off his patchwork quilt and walked to the window of the loft. A bright star was floating in the black velvet sky. He had not seen it before. Tip toeing down the loft stairs he took care not to trip over the hastily built irregular boards. Daniel toddled into Father’s room.

“Daniel, why are you not asleep?” Father boomed.

“Father, there is a big star in the sky. It has a long tail and – come to the window and look.” Daniel lisped, walking to the window and drawing the curtain.

Father refused to look. Father would not listen, and insisted that Daniel return to his bed, it is late and he must to go to sleep!

Daniel turned obediently and retraced his chubby footsteps back to his lumpy bed in the loft. He was an obedient boy and he would listen to Father. At least he could lie and look at this beautiful star. He really wanted to wake his brothers and sisters and share it with them but, if they awoke they may chatter loudly from excitement and Father would become angrier.

It was a pity Mother was not alive to see this star. She died giving birth to little Amy last Christmas. Father was coping well, single handed, with his large brood in the evenings. He had a local cook and housekeeper come and assist with the household, but, he still found it difficult to come home and attend to school homework.

Daniel returned and fluffed up his pillows, lifted and angled his small hand-made bed to help his view of the star and climbed between the thread bare sheets. Mother had needle worked his quilt. She worked on it in bad light for nine months. She had embroidered daily farm scenes on the individual patches as memories of their family lives. Each child had one. Each child had a unique part of Mother’s handwork keeping them snug and warm at night.

Tonight especially, Daniel’s hands reached out over the raised embroidery and traced the individual needlework stitches. He thought about his Mother while he gazed at the bright star. The star cast a white light into the loft and created a halo around Daniel’s face. The light embraced him and warmed him. He felt as if he was being cradled in his Mother’s arms. Daniel missed her. She was never angry. She would lift him onto her lap and cover him in kisses. She listened to their stories. Daniel, recently, had been missing her terribly. His brothers and sisters were busy with their chores and their homework and Father was always grumpy from a day out in the chilly fields, directing the workers.

Tonight, he felt that his Mother had returned. She immersed him in her light, whenever he felt sad he would search the skies for the star. Perhaps, it will not always be visible but, he knew after this she will always be there to bring comfort her beloved children. He must try and explain this to the others tomorrow – it’s going to be difficult, after all Daniel is only five years old.

[Cleo_Serapis]

Thank you for your Holiday entry Bev!

Best of luck!

May the 'classic' holiday spirit be shared in your heart throughout the season!

~ Mosaic Musings Staff

[Peterpan]

Thank you!

PP

[Blank_Canvas]

Bev,
This is quite beautiful. Brought sentimental tears to my eyes. Love a tender story, and this is certainly one of those. Marvelous Christmas entry. Best of luck.
Marcia

[Peterpan]

Bev,
This is quite beautiful. Brought sentimental tears to my eyes. Love a tender story, and this is certainly one of those. Marvelous Christmas entry. Best of luck.
Marcia

Thank you so much Marcia!

PP