Thursday, December 25, 2008

Our First Christmas

Inspired by my mother's incredible talent for writing poetry, and to avoid any ranting and anger that could come from relaying the story, here's an emotionally controlled version of mine and Austin's first, and somewhat tragic Christmas together.

'Twas two days before Christmas
And all through the state
Travelers were unsure
Of their holiday fate

With snow came delays
And cancellations a-plenty
It fell in record highs
In inches up to twenty!

Austin and I with our suitcases
Were well on our way
To the SLC airport
To catch our United plane

Everything went smoothly
We could not foresee it
We thought we'd be in the air shortly
Enjoying our complimentary peanuts

But after hours in the airport
And with much devastation
We learned we would not
Reach our beloved destination

The "customer service" agent
Was just a mean old man
Nothing could be done
We'd been dealt a terrible hand

Christmas was ruined
And I cannot deny
I wanted to punch a United employee
Right in their dumb eye

But what good would it do?
It wasn't their crime
As sad as I was
Holiday spirit we would try to find

We started right away
As soon as we got home
We prayed for comfort,
And peace, and hope

Our eyes were opened
And our hearts were too
We clearly understood
What we needed to do

We started off by counting
All the ways we are blessed
Even with such a tragedy
Our lives are the best

With friends and family
We are loved so much
A home, jobs, cars, schooling
We have more than enough

We have our health, the Gospel
Many talents to share
We could find a way to show others
How much we care

So we baked and frosted
Most all of the day
Then we went out
And gave our cupcakes away

It was something so simple
And so easy to do
But it lifted all
Of the sorrowful gloom

Now we are cheerful and grateful
And have certainly found
No matter where you are
You can spread love around

Gale family fun and tradition
We have undoubtedly missed
But there will be other years
That we can enjoy it

From anger to joy
In just a few hours
Your outlook on life
Is all in your power

The Lord's love is stronger
Than any hardship
Even the disappointment
Of a ruined trip

This Christmas tale
Our kids will surely hear
Of the greatest day
Austin and I had all year

5 comments:

mamagale said...

Shanna, Dad and I are crying...but in a good way! Your poem is the perfect expression of your good heart. WOW! Thank you for making our spirits bright and Merry Christmas.
Love,
Mom

Sarah said...

That is so sweet! I'm really sorry you didn't get to see your family, but sounds like you made the best of it. P.S. the cupcakes looked amazing. Merry Christmas!!

Jessa said...

who knew you were such a poet. I loved it and it, too, made me cry. thanks for being one of the best examples I could ask for at this time of year. I love you both! and just be glad you didn't spend the holiday in the Portland airport. You can't make delicious cupcakes there!!!!

The Lewis Family said...

Umm...the good news is it NEVER snows in NC, in fact, it was in the high 50s on Christmas this year so next Christmas you'll for sure get to be with us!

Nicole said...

ok so we just got home and thanks to the slow dial up at the cabin i am just reading this and now i am crying too! we missed you though but i'm glad you guys still had a good Christmas!