Christmas with Corey

Five days before Christmas 2020, I was busy like always, rushing and shopping. This Christmas was not expected to be any different from the last two Christmases. The family would gather at my oldest sister's house on Christmas day. Ella was married with two children and a wonderful husband. They met in college and had been married for five years. My parents had passed. There is Ella, Gina, James and myself left in the immediate family circle. James is still in college and Gina is a nun. I am a single 26 year old living alone in a condo.

I called Ella to see what time she wanted to meet me at the mall so that we could finish our last minute shopping. She said, " I am going to pick up Jay from preschool and we three will meet you at two pm." She had the two year old, Tia, with her. I arrived at the mall. After waiting almost two hours, I became anxious and called Ella's cell. There was no answer. I called her husband Jim. There was no answer.

Finally, I received a call from the hospital. I was listed as a contact number in my sister's wallet. I made my way to the hospital just in time to say goodbye to Ella. She had picked up Jim along the way. As I entered the emergency room, I saw my very pale sister badly hanging on. She said, Take care of Cory as if he was your own. I did not now that Tia and Jim had died from the infliction of a drunk driver. After she spoke the heartfelt words, she closed her eyes and I became Cory's mom at that moment. I was in a state of shock! I cried and ran down to the room where Cory was. He was bruised but otherwise ok. I gave him a great big hug and said, Cory, I am your new mommy. Being four, he did not quite understand the impact of my words. I did not attempt to explain death nor the accident to him. I decided that would be on hold until he reached age 12 or until he asked questions.

I cremated my three family members because they had left specific information in their will saying that was their desire. The ashes was released on New year's day by my siblings and myself; I did not want to expose Cory to this event. We went to a nearby beach; We said a few words and the ashes were scattered on the beach.

Two days before Christmas, I took Cory to Macy's to sit on Santa's lap. He told Santa what he wanted for Christmas. I had to carry on "Christmas with Corey." His parents had always made Christmas big and his new mommy was going to continue the tradition. We went out and bought a real tree to place in Corey's home, a home which would now become my home. I wanted to give him a somewhat sense of normalcy by keeping him in his comfort zone. We decorated the tree with Ella's ornaments that was stashed in the garage. After decorating the tree and the living room, we sat down for hot chocolate and cookies. He cuddled up near me as we watched "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." Half way through the program, he fell asleep and I put him in his spider man bed.

Christmas Day came. I had moved myself and some of my clothes in my new home. I decided to make the final move after New Years. Cory woke up and ran to my bedroom around 7am. "Is is Christmas yet?" He said. I said Yes!!! I will race you to the living room. You can guess who got there first. I had made it a point to just leave the gifts unwrapped laying around the tree. That was my way of making Santa seem real. Playing Santa Clause was a new and enjoyable experience for me. I had the best of Santa Clause when I was a kid. I wanted to start my new life with Cory on the right track. My new son/nephew was very happy with his new scooter and i-pad. He said, "I got everything that I asked Santa to give me!" We ate breakfast and afterwards, Cory ran outside to try out his new scooter. He played outside with the neighbor who also had a scooter. I decided to spend a quiet day bonding with Cory at my new home.

Meanwhile, I was inside looking at "It's a wonderful life." I thought to myself, "It is going to be a wonderful life." Although, I had lost my sister and her family, I felt that I was given a new life. I will never be able to replace my sister Ella but I will be the best substitute that I can be. Cory will be surrounded by a loving aunt and uncle in addition to myself." His aunt and uncle joined us for a potluck Christmas dinner later that evening. He was bestowed additional gifts by his family. It was a good Christmas Day after all.

On January 5, of that year, Cory and I dressed in our best and went to see a lawyer. Cory looks so much like his father. As we were driving in the car, I had a short conversation with him explaining to him what was about to happen. I choose my words carefully so that a four year old can comprehend what was about to be said. I said, Cory, I love you so much. Your momma who is my sister, and your daddy, had to go away. They will not be back. They asked me to be your forever momma. I said yes! We are on our way to make sure that I will be your forever momma. The lawyer will look at your handsome self and ask me if I want to be your forever mom and I will say yes. At that moment, I will become your mom and you will become my son. My new name will be momma not Auntie. He will give me a paper to sign and after that we will go have ice cream. He said, "Yes!!!

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