Prayer


Sarah Rabb loved preparing Christmas Eve dinner for her family.

Early in the morning, she had shooed everyone out of the kitchen, despite multiple offers to help, and by late afternoon, the old farmhouse was filled with delicious, mouth-watering smells. She laid out her best china dishes on a lacy white tablecloth and spread the meal out on the table. There was a roast turkey crisped to perfection with a selection of potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, sauces, breads, fruits, and vegetables. There were even several different kinds of pies – pumpkin, apple, cherry, and blueberry – cooling on the counter for dessert.

Harm and Mac were seated on one side, Trish and Frank on the other, with a fifth place set for Sarah at the head of the table. Frank wielded a large knife to carve the turkey while the others observed with smiles and laughter.

Sarah stopped at the threshold to the dining room, the emotions suddenly welling up inside her chest.

Look at your family, Harmon.

Your beloved Trish…as lovely as the first day you laid eyes on her.

And Frank, the kind man who helped heal her heart but could never replace you in it.

And your handsome son, Little Harm, all grown up now...unrivaled in the air and in the courtroom.

And his beautiful Marine…Mac, the woman who finally won his heart.

Wherever you are, Harmon, I know you're looking down on us tonight. Merry Christmas, my son. I love you.

Sarah bowed her head as she finished her silent prayer, and brushing the tears from her eyes, she joined her family for Christmas Eve dinner.