‘Twas the night before Christmas Eve when just arrived at the house

Three students home from college and one more en route.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care

As we stood in the kitchen, many stories to share.

When what to our wondering eyes should disappear,

But the lights in the house all went out in the clear.

My mind shuttered to think of all this could mean

To have no power on Christmas, Christmas morn, Christmas Eve.

With a well to consider, the fish in his bowl,

The ham yet uncooked … we could only hunker down low.

We prepared for a long night of cold, dark and hungry;

Ice building up on the trees and the wood box — empty.

Weary travelers early retired, double blankets on the beds

Of how long this might go, my mind couldn’t escape the dread.

How much food will be lost with the Christmas feast waiting

For the blessed day of family, holy remembrance, gift giving.

At 1:30 a.m., I checked the house temp again,

Losing one degree per hour; how long must we settle in?

Home from the night shift at 2 a.m., my husband confirmed with a hint of fright —

“Lines down on North Auburn Ave. and everywhere else within sight.

Crews are on site, checking, working, surveying;

Those power lines are down, they all needed fixing.

As I wondered through the night, would the kids all be warm?

Five a.m., it’s still dark and the neighbor’s generator is still going.

Seven-thirty a.m., to my absolute surprise,

Power back on in the house — the dinner feast will survive!

As I blinked back a tear I thought about what this means,

Crews had worked through the night and into the morning.

My heart sank with the thought of the cold winter’s night

As the crews had worked steady to bring back on the lights.

My eyes filled with tears, my selfish heart sank;

What could I give them? Only my thanks.

For the Christmas dinner to be, the carols, laughter, firelight;

Many thanks be to thee for working through the night.

Thank you so much for all that you do,

For working so hard like the firefighters do.

And the doctors and nurses, all dedicated to life

And health, warmth and comfort this cold winter’s night.

Merry Christmas to you, how your families must miss you!

We can’t thank you enough for all that you do.