1 minute read
Suzaan Nicholson
Shameka-Ann and my most memorable Christmas experience
was December 2009. The City implemented its budget cuts. My wages were reduced tremendously; there were no additional funds to purchase a live Christmas tree, as I did yearly. Although Shameka was 23 years old, the natural smell of pine each Christmas was traditional for our family, and this Christmas differed from the others.
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Shameka was now a proud mother of a four-month-old baby boy, her first-born son, name Jahwansa. I felt awful because I could not afford the pine tree or presents for Christmas. Suddenly, I had an idea; I rushed to the store to purchase drafting paper, scented crayons, pine spray and prior year’s ornaments. Meka and I made a Christmas tree from drafting paper, dressed it, taped it to the two corners of the walls and sprayed it with the scent of pine. This was also the closest my daughter, and I had been since my coming home from Broward Correctional in 1998.
What will my daughter and I do differently with our family, this Christmas, because of COVID-19? Because I interact with the public daily and prevention purposes, I will drop all gifts off and watch them opened by the receiver using Zoom or Face time.
SUZAAN NICHOLSON (Mother) SHAMEKA-ANN (Daughter)
The family “Christmas Tradition” that I will miss this year, because of COVID-19, I will miss shopping together and dressing the Christmas “Live Pine Tree,” as a family.
I will put the “JOY,” in my Christmas, for 2020, by giving thanks to God for allowing me one more Christmas above ground and all in which He has provided for me and my loved ones.
I am “Thankful” this Christmas for the ability to purchase the Christmas Pine Tree for my grandsons Jahwansa and Tory to dress at their home.
My “Words of Wisdom,” for other mothers and daughters to be the “Bright Light for your family, this Christmas.” The greatest gift you can both receive is the “Love,” from each other and the precious moment to create together. There is no greater feeling than to give a gift of “Love” to your child or loved one.
