CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM

In 1986, La Fargeville was a sleepy little town northwest of Watertown, N.Y. bordering on Lake Ontario, only a stone’s throw from the Canadian border. The Wickersham twins, Bailey and Bobby, were looking forward to spending Christmas with their grandpa. They had a great time on their summer vacation and looked forward to doing some wild exploring of the old Jensen farm and woods behind their Grandpa’s place. Their tagalong younger sister, Patti was excited too. After the smoke had settled down, Patti asked, 'What should we say to Mom and Dad?'Bailey said, 'I wouldn’t say anything, if we want them to let us come back here on vacations.' Jake sat on the front porch rocking in his favorite chair. 'I agree. Discussing our adventures with your parents would be counterproductive.' Jake loved the kids visiting for the summer and did not want anything to interrupt any of their vacations.Bobby, Baily, and Patti made a pact that they would not say a word to anybody, especially their parents. Patti sat next to her grandfather with her head on his shoulder, 'Grandpa, this was the best summer ever.'Bobby was quiet for part of the evening thinking how to tell his Grandpa how much he loved him. 'Grandpa, I really love you and thanks for a great summer.'Their parents were due to pick them up in two days. What a great summer vacation they had. Jake was going to miss them probably the most. They had brightened up his life and he would be looking forward to next summer and maybe something in between. His life was worth something again. He regained something he lost when his wife died; that adventurous spirit she always brought out in him. The kids rekindled that fire.The twins and Patti were busy visiting all their favorite places, wrapping up a very eventful summer at Grandpa’s. They rode Bell every day around the paddock. They’re going to miss the time with her. Their parents will, hopefully, do the same thing next year, allowing them the time with their Grandpa and all the other adventures they could find. The day that their parents were to arrive came and sure enough, the family car pulled into the driveway. George and Ida were happy to see their kids, especially all in one piece.They all spoke at once. The kids were talking, 'This was a great summer.' Bailey volunteered.Patti shouted out, 'Bell was so much fun. She was the most fun of everything.'Bobby was thoughtful saying, 'It was great staying with Grandpa. Getting to know Grandpa better was the best.' The reunion lasted until suppertime. Jake made them dinner, one of the chickens from the barnyard.