In The Twinkling Of An Eye.

By Maxine Jasmin-Green

Sun, 25 May 2025
  • 556 reads
6 comments
 

For many years Paul my husband would do a secret Santa. That was what he called it. Christ mas Eve, he would put £10 in an envelope and put it through the door to the little girl that lived opposite us, it was named to her. He would do this at 3am in the morning, or he would ask me to do it. It was every Christ mas Eve. The girl lived there with her Mum.

Then early this year, the girl came home from school and found her Mum on the floor, at the hospital, they found out she had had a stroke! Her fantastic next-door neighbours, fed the young teen, after school, she went next door for her Tea.

After many weeks the Mum came back home.

Then suddenly a few months ago the Mum had another stroke and the young teen was sent to a foster home!

Just like that, overnight her life changed!

The Mum is still with us, and still in hospital, the girl is still with foster carers. I think of her often, and hope they are treating her well. I hope her Mum makes it, and can return home. x

  

Certificate U
Story
All true events.....
Surreal
Reviews
Unclassified
Western
Philosophy
Opinion
Miscellaneous

Comments

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

It breaks my heart when I hear of situations like this. That poor mother must be so scared, and the girl terrified of the future. So sorry for them both. I hope they will both be reunited soon and the mother doesn't have another stroke.

I'm sure you will pray for them.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by Maxine Jasmin-Green on

Thank You Jenny, I hope the Mum gets well too and that they can be together again. Thank you for your Prayers for them, I Pray for them too. x

 

Submitted by Frances Macaula... on

 

Soundcloud:  https://soundcloud.com/search?q=FrancesMF

Submitted by Maxine Jasmin-Green on

heart

 

Submitted by Jessiibear on

Oh wow—this stopped me cold.

What a beautiful, quietly powerful memory to share.. There’s something so tender about the way you described Paul’s tradition, slipping that £10 through the door like a small, steady light in the dark. And now, to hear how much that girl’s life has changed… I’m just sitting with it.

You told this in such a simple, honest way, but it carries so much weight. It's devastating, and yet the hope still shines through. I’m so glad you’re still thinking of her. I think that kind of remembering matters.

Thank you for sharing this. It makes me want to be gentler with people, just in case they’re going through something like this too.

Jess

Submitted by Maxine Jasmin-Green on

Everyone has different 'gifts' and 'tallents' this is one of Paul's many, the girl and her Mum never knew it was from him.  And all been well, should they return home, then I too will put £10 in an envelope on Christmas Eve and that would be addressed to the Mum.

Good, I am glad I have inspired you to be gentle with others just incase they are going through things.  

Thank you for your Valued Comments, it means a lot.

heart