'twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, br the family was gathered and waiting to pounce. br br Grandma was depressed by the loss of a son, br thirty years later and to her it still stung. br br Grandpa was settled all snug in his chair, br sitting down to watch and drink his beer. br br brother and his girlfriend were settled there, br talking quietly so none could hear. br br Rose was intent on lurking around, br figuring out what each wrapping bound. br br some pots and pans, dishes and glasses, br and dvd and headphones, which appealed to the masses. br br so alone and content i sat in a chair, br and waited so patiently for the goodbyes to near. br br i watched and i waited as the gifts were handed out, br 90 to the babies and the rest throughout. br br When the time came, we said our goodbyes, br and ran to the door not waitning for replies.