She turned on Christmas music and made hot cocoa, determined to embrace the spirit of Christmas—or consumerism, as it were. As if pretty packages and rich food could distract her from missing Gabe. Not helpful, Jen. Be grateful for the blessings you have. She bit her lower lip and redoubled her efforts in tying the intricate bow on Alex’s present. Alex would appreciate the prettily wrapped gift. Jenny peeled away the label and stuck it on. Snatching up the pen, her hand hovered over the sticker a minute before dropping to the tabletop. After a lengthy mental debate, she scrawled “Jenny,” swiped away an errant tear and set the wrapped gifts aside without adding Gabe’s name. Next she packaged up Gabe’s stethoscope and tennis racquet for Ted and signed the tag, “Love, Dad.” For Alex, Jenny had framed a favorite picture of Gabe and Alex taken last spring break in Cancun. For her other “Dad” present, Jenny had the perfect gift in mind. She drew Gabe’s watch from her pocket.
