Just hear those sleigh bells jingling

Last August after my mother-in-law died, my husband and I went over to the nursing home near us to clear out her closet and pack up her belongings. This week, we went back with Shaggy Hair Boy and With-a-Why for a holiday celebration with the residents. Shaggy Hair Boy played the piano, while my husband and With-a-Why sang Christmas Carols. My job was to ring the jingle bells.

 When we first began this tradition, With-a-Why was very young and shy. What a difference, now, I thought, as I watched him standing confidently in front of the residents, singing in a loud, clear voice. He's all grown up. His grandmother would be proud.