Before the Fall

(title provided by Marty)

Before the fall there was laughter.
There was Marty teaching Daniel to make his favorite casseroles.
And some good eating at a table set for 8.



Before the fall there were stockings hung.
There were presents given and received
and there were cookie jars discovered.






Before the fall Grandmom's cookies were all gone!
Irish coffee made an appearance.
Plus Daniel had second dinner and Claire did thousands of dishes.

Before the fall Andrew and Kelly won a Scrabble game,
Even though Paul is probably the Scrabble champion
and Charlie is the wordsmith.

Before the fall Stephanie brought out the puffy paint.
Charlie discovered glitter
and new ornaments made it onto the tree.

Before the fall there was a blizzard.
The house stayed warm
and Pascal played with a new toy.



Before the fall there was shopping
and some Starbucks
and the Southerners experienced walking in a N'oreast wind.

Before the fall Charlie and Daniel did twirls.
Claire and Paul held hands.
And Andrew and Kelly smiled on ice.



After the fall there were sighs of relief.
But more smiles.
And the realization that bringing family together is risky
but oh-so-important
and worth it all.





Peace and Good Will to all the Shepherds! We loved having you here!
We hope to see ya'll in the spring!
We promise to get rid of the snow and ice by then!