Patricia's Christmas Gift

Christmas promises to be exciting and memorable for Patricia. Her man of honor is coming home for Christmas. Henry has been in Canada for the past five years for advanced studies. He and Patricia were childhood friends, but as the years went by, their relationship became more intimate.

Five years ago, Henry got a scholarship for advanced studies in petrochemical engineering at one of Canada's prestigious universities, Manitoba University. He promised Patricia that once he was back from this study, both of them would be walking down the isle as husband and wife. With this promise, Patricia waited for him diligently, refusing marriage proposals from other men.

Ann's friend said to her one day, "Are you sure you are not doing yourself a great disfavor by refusing these men? Don't put your eggs in one basket." "No, my dear friend, I know my man of honor, and he will certainly keep his word," Patricia responded. In September, Henry sent her a message saying that he was done with the advanced studies and that he would be returning home in December for Christmas. Patricia couldn't contain her joy.

She ensured that every preparation to welcome her man of honor was perfect. Wedding plans were on the way. She contacted her event planner and told her that she wanted a gorgeous wedding and so no stones should be left unturned to ensure that the wedding is perfect. Her family, parents, and siblings also awaited this great event with so much eagerness and enthusiasm.

By the 1st of December, everything was set. Patricia wanted her wedding to be on the 25th to coincide with Jesus' birthday. She sent Henry a message notifying him of the date. Patricia became tense as the wedding date approached; Henry had not responded since she sent him the date.She kept on wondering why there was a communication gap between the two of them. Patricia could not comprehend the reason for the silence. She became more anxious and worried. "I hope all is well with Henry." Her mum said to her one morning. "I hope so too," Patricia replied.

On the eve of Christmas, there was a knock on the door Patricia quickly went to open the door with the hope that her man of honor was the one at the door. Behold, there he is, but Patricia was transfixed when she saw him because right by his side was a woman with her hand clasped together with that of Henry. "Hello Patricia, how do you do? Henry said, "Nice to see your face again."

Patricia didn't know what to say. This wasn't what she was expecting. As Henry and the lady stepped into the house, all the other members of the family came out to the sitting room to welcome him, but were surprised to see Henry with a lady. An awkward silence pervaded the room. Everyone was perplexed wondering what was going on. Seeing the perplexity on their faces and that of Patricia, Henry went ahead to break the silence. "Hi everyone I am glad to be home, this is Rebecca my wife". Patricia fainted as she heard those words from Henry.

She was quickly rushed to the hospital. As she regained consciousness, she felt a soft touch and a gentle caress on her fingers. She opened her eyes to behold this elegant young man sitting by her bedside with a reassuring smile on his face. This is James, a young man she met in April at a friend's wedding. She smiled back at him, and the young man tightened his grip on her fingers and promised never to let go.

Patricia held onto his hand with a thank you note to God for this wonderful gift. In spite of Henry's disappointment, Christmas wasn't ruined but memorable indeed for her. With this, she closed her eyes and laid back on the bed to rest with James's hands firmly clasped with hers. Her man of honor is right here with her.

"What a wonderful Christmas gift!" she exclaimed!