Lost in December: A Short Story
A short story about returning to life after a miscarriage.
Seven years ago my wife and I had a miscarriage. I don’t think about it as often as I once did. And I suppose that looking at our family from the outside, some might think that because we have so many children, I never think about it. But I do. Last Sunday was the anniversary of the long day in a hospital when we learned part of our family tree would be missing.
A few years ago I wrote a short story about a couple who has to return to life after a miscarriage. Over the years, it has surprised me to learn how many couples have had one, or even several, miscarriages. In the story, a husband and wife (Joshua and Allison), as well as their other young children, learn what it means to move on after losing a child. You can get it here.
* * *
Excerpt from “Lost in December: A Short Story”
It had been a cold day in December, and not just for Tucson. It was made worse by the way it forced itself on us. No one had the right coats with them; it had been warm when we woke up.
Allison and I hadn’t talked all day, and we had driven to the Christmas party separately. She had errands, and I had work to finish. But now we made the brief walk from our separate cars to the restaurant together. “I’m glad you could come, sweetie. Did the babysitter show up?” I asked Allison.
“It’s cold. Let’s just get inside.”
That day, even the foothills, which never have snow, were white. My wife had goosebumps.
As I held the door open for her, I commented that I didn’t remember coming to this restaurant before. She said they were all the same.
* * *
If you’d like to get a copy of the whole story, click here.
Lost in December: A Short Story
Recently, I wrote a short story called "Lost in December." It's a story about having a busy schedule, experiencing a miscarriage, and discovering what's really important in life.
For the last several months, I've been working hard on a short story called "Lost in December."
It's a story about having a busy schedule, experiencing a miscarriage, and discovering what's really important in life.
I'm giving it away to anyone who subscribes to my weekly updates. You can read an excerpt below.
Thank you to all those who helped polish this story: Kelby Adams, Carolyn Aiken, Eunice and Keith Davis, Marc DeSantis, Scott and Stacey Ervin, Mike Grenier, Ally Hall, Meghan Jenkins, Brian Neese, Remington Moll, Tom Reidy, Stephen Smith, Megan Spinney, Linda Vargo, Molly Vrbicek, Robb and Diane Vrbicek, Amanda Waddell, Andy Walker, and Mary Wells.
And, of course, thank you to the one for whom this story isn’t just a story; I love you.
* * *
Excerpt from "Lost in December: A Short Story"
It had been a cold day in December, and not just for Tucson. It was made worse by the way it forced itself on us. No one had the right coats with them; it had been warm when we woke up.
Allison and I hadn’t talked all day, and we had driven to the Christmas party separately. She had errands, and I had work to finish. But now we made the brief walk from our separate cars to the restaurant together. “I’m glad you could come, sweetie. Did the babysitter show up?” I asked Allison.
“It’s cold. Let’s just get inside.”
That day, even the foothills, which never have snow, were white. My wife had goose bumps.
As I held the door open for her, I commented that I didn’t remember coming to this restaurant before. She said they were all the same.
* * *
If you'd like to get a copy of the whole story, click here.
THE MAN WHO PLANTED TREES by Jean Giono (FAN AND FLAME Book Reviews)
A review of the classic short story about planting trees and the cumulative effect of long obedience in the same direction.
The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono(Chelsea Green Publishing, 2007 [originally published 1953], 72 pages)
“The Man Who Planted Trees” tells the story of Elzéard Bouffier, who—living alone (widowed) and in a desolate country—single-handedly reforests the land: 100 acorns a day. For decades.
The narrative, and the corresponding woodcut illustrations, engenders love, sympathy, and admiration for the man. Stuffed with biblical imagery (e.g., “Lazarus,” “Canaan,” “God’s athletes,” and Eden-like descriptions), Giono compels readers to ponder the tension between ‘what is’ and what ‘ought to be’; and then what to do about it, namely, personally committed activism over the long haul (i.e., 100 acorns a day for decades.)
I received the book from a dear friend who thought I was ‘one who planted trees.’ Having now read it, I receive the compliment gladly.
Two Favorite Quotes
"It was his opinion that this land was dying for want of trees." (Giono, The Man Who Planted Trees, 14)
"Human beings cannot thrive in a place where the natural environment has been degraded." (Maathai Wangari from the Foreward, viii).
[Image]