On Christmas morning, at dawn, my brother, BJ, surprised me by arriving here with a bottle of champagne. He reminisced about Anthony’s penchant for a very cheap brand called ‘Great Western’. I suddenly had a flashback of when Ants would put the bottles of champagne in the freezer until there would be little icicles. He would pour the champagne for the friends we were entertaining and everyone thought he had had something special imported from France. At the time I think ‘Great Western’ sold for $3 a bottle.
As my brother and I sat out on the front veranda, drinking champagne in the early hours, I remembered all of those Christmas mornings with Ants. We would have icy champagne – Ants would carve some ham for our eggy breakfast and I would wait, with bated breath, for little Ming to wake up and discover his full-of-presents pillowcase!
BJ left, Ming emerged from his shed and he and I went into the living room to exchange our presents with each other. As I had been allowed to do the pillowcase thing one last time, Ming opened those first. Then, underneath the Christmas tree, were six presents – three from Ming to me, and three from me to Ming (this is a Ming tradition now). That hour was magical! Then Ming left to join my mother, sister-in-law and niece at church. I quickly prepared the crayfish and cocktail sauce and arrived at the nursing home at 10am.
At around 10.30, my younger brother, M, arrived at the nursing home, with his wife and their three children. M took the chair next to Anthony’s and immediately struck up a conversation about cars – especially Anthony’s past cars, the Torana A9X and the GT. Until M mentioned it, I’d forgotten about the GT! They stayed with us for a wonderful hour, then went to BJ’s for lunch. After they left, Ants used the words “deciduous” and “my children” to describe this fantastic family.
Then my mother arrived, so I opened the bottle of Moet that was in the nursing home freezer, and we had a sip. Ming and his girlfriend arrived and made Anthony’s day by also having a sip. Ming had brought a gift of chocolates and a birthday card which probably means that he and his dad are equally confused!
Just as Ants, Meg and I were eating the crayfish, BJ arrived, with his wife and their two youngest children. By this time, Anthony was both animated and nonplussed. At one point, Ants looked at me ambiguously and I said “WHAT?” He replied, “I was just noticing how beautiful you are.”
Big thanks to my family for surrounding Ants with your love. Beautiful.
jmgoyder 
I am so glad you had a memorable Christmas. Lots of love my friend
That was so sweet of him.
Julie, my husband always refers to your blog as Jim go Yonder – he is dyslexic, and was just asking if you had posted. Families are what life is all about and you are blessed.
What a great day and what a great family you are.
Julie, this was so beautiful, special I felt it in my Heart. I was smiling with tears in my eyes when I came out of the magic of your Christmas. I’m so happy all was so beautiful, meaningful. I love that Ants said, “I was just noticing how beautiful you are.” Your Heart, Julie … your Heart is beautiful, also. I see, feel it all the way here ❤ Love, Gloria
Merry Christmas Jules to you and your wonderful, fantastic family!!! Big hugs 😀
Sounds like a beautiful holiday, Julie! You appreciated the “presence” of your family. You appreciate every moment and were “present.” And of course, opening the presents added more joy. It was definitely beautiful to read and I’m so happy for you. 🙂
beautiful in every way. merry christmas to you all )
I am so grateful you had a great Christmas with Ants and Ming and your family. How sweet! ♥
A beautiful Christmas in persons and in deeds!
I am so glad you had a wonderful Christmas, every memory we get the chance to create with loved ones is a blessing that we too often take for granted xxx
How lovely.
What a lovely Christmas gift for you al Julie!!!!
What a wonderful family you are part of.
Oh it sounds like a wonderful day was had by all
You guys are just plain awesome! What a wonderful Christmas.
Oh, wow! That is so wonderful! the whole day and especially the comment at the end. remember this the next time he tells you that you have messy hair-LOL. All the best as we turn a page into the new year….
I’m glad to hear your Christmas was full of family and love.
What a beautiful memories and Christmas day. You are all so nice. Happy New Year dear Julie, Blessing and Happiness, Thank you, love, nia
Beautiful xo
so elated that you had such a wondrous day filled with family and friends.