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PORT PERRY STAR -- Tues. December 18, 1984 -- 9 by Anthony W. Stones R.R.2 Blackstock, Ont. The sounds of the restless horses crunch- ing their grain and sorting the fresh straw in their stalls comforted the background of his thoughts, as he swept and tidied the barn after feeding. The bits of ribbon and artificial holly on each stall door seemed pathetic and without hope. Oddly enough, they were appropriate once again, although they had been there gathering dust and cobwebs for two years now, the colours of the ribbons faded and fly-speckled. A cruel reminder of lost con- tentment. He jabbed irritably into a corner with the big broom, and the horse in the closest stall shifted, momentarily startled by the un- expectedly aggressive motion. Dad had put those decorations up: there two Christmases ago, not so long, but ages ago. Where had he gone? Not so far, but miles away. Why? Jeff was old enough to re- call, at least, the com- A My Most Memorable Christmas plicated litany of argu- ments and frustrations that had built up to his leaving. Quarrels didn't even matter anymore. What did was the empty aching that caused Christmas decorations to be neglected, forgott- en, except as a painful jab of the past. His mother's life was like those decorations, he thought, as he poured another bucket of water -- neglected, dusty, held suspended in time by the loss of what had been half her existence. He paused in his chores to peer out the small door towards the house. In the gathering Christmas Eve dark- ness, its lights seemed warm and cheerful, catching a few drifting flakes in their glow.' What a lie, he thought wretchedly. Finished the chores, he sat on a bale, reluctant to go back to the false cheeriness of his mother's tree-trim- ming exercise. It must have been just after Christmas two years ago when Dad walked out. That's why the decorations in the barn were still there. That commercial properues PROFIT OPPORTUNITY INVESTORS REAL PROPERTY FUND ¢ minimum investment of $2500 e diversified portfolio consisting primarily of Call your Investors Personal Financial Planner today for more informauon. Nelson C. Patterson, C.G.A. 985-2034 C Ynveslors PROFIT FROM OUR EXPERIENCE Star Essay Contest - | First Place Class C Christmas hadn't been so hot either. Even at age eleven he'd felt the strained mood in the air. 'Doors slamming and hours of silence. He remembered the silence most of all. They'd started to trim the tree and then an argument had started. He remembered the half-trimmed tree, Rex, the big yellow Lab, lying amidst the strewn dec- oratiops and tinsel, his eyes a reflections of puzzlement. Forgotten decorations, neglected lives. He got up and prepar- ed to trudge through the cold of the snow and evening to the cold emptiness of the house. No way to put it off. Besides, he knew his mother was probably starting to feel the same surge of memories and pains. Christmas had a way of hurting now. - He checked the lights, closed the door care- fully behind him and began to follow his own bootprints back to the house. His Dad's old farm boots, inherited by default. It wasn't that he never saw his father. Every week or so they'd go to a hockey gameor a movie, both careful to be cheerful, both lost in their thoughts of a lovely woman sitting back on the farm. That was the really hard part. He, of all people, knew they loved each other still. He'd met new boyfriends and new girlfriends, too many, and he knew they were just fill-ins. It was pride - and fear. Old hurts re-opened, his own too. He had lived with the barriers himself too long not to be aware of them. Christmas was mi 2 - i 1, . - a ar ATF VN lk He . Con aT hs ey 4 a arb PAM LR ¥ $n halk ' (HOME STEAD Furniture & Appliances by Ballard & Carnegle Merry Christmas to our Friends, Relatives and Valued Customers. Chic, Ralph & Staff one of the biggest. Christmas decorations. Christmas feelings. He reached the back door and shook off his Dad's heavy boots in the woodroom. Shrugged FR nla out of the snowflakes 0000010000) Rr -------- and parka. Tears formed as he reached inside himself for the strength to face the emptiness and false celebration that lay on the other side ot the door. He gathered up an armful of wood for the stove and straightened the Christmas wreath that hung crookedly on the door. He backed into the kitchen, arms full, and turned towards the table. 'All done, Mom Dad? Dad!" "Do you think I could join you two for Christmas, maybe?"' Rt ---- a RY =) N= CORT In the happy i 70002 SS spirit of the holiday, we pause | and count our many blessings. We'd like to extend our sincere thanks for your valued friendship. Mr. Fred Cook & Mr. Michael Wade, Owners, ) A Morley & Phyllis Feasby, Management & Staff |) V7 ADD. RAILROADHOUSE MOTOR MOTEL May each day of this special holiday season be filled with magical moments and extra excitement for all! We'd like to take this time to extend our thanks and best wishes. 1 Nobody Does It Better! CHEVROLET OLDSMOBILE LTD. [maxim : EEN STREET . PORT PERRY Veo aff FO [POx138 26a ouEEN STREET Climbs gs 340)