Listen to Mary Swander read her Christmas story. They came in threes—like the Magi—two buggies and a sleigh filled with three generations of Amish to sing carols at my neighbor Donna’s door. Abram and Bertha shepherded their grown children and their children’s children into Donna’s small den. Just a few months before the holidays, Donna’s youngest daughter had suddenly died of a stroke at age 49. The two had been close, talking on the phone every day, taking vacations together, and sharing the care of the grandchildren. So the Amish had planned this caroling visit as an attempt to ease Donna’s grief.
Mary, this is one of my favorite of yours, such a beautiful story. Peace to your and all your neighbors.
A ray of light in this world. Thank you!
I love this story, Mary! Wishing you, Donna, and your neighbors a joyful season of song in every language you can conjure!
So lovely.