Mr. S’s Neighborhood

Season's Greetings

Aubrey
2 days ago
11 comments

To my adorable friends: always sing without fear.

R.O. Blechman CBS Christmas Message (1966)

Happy Holidays and may you have a New Year that embraces you with all the good things you desire.

I preferred to think that the tree had not been touched by human hands. Instead, I wanted to imagine a type of botanical, seasonal transition: that the green blood had crystallized into silver, gold and scarlet. And when the joy could no longer be hidden, the blossoms appeared in delicate explosions. Their thin metallic skins would shine with a clear complexion - in colors that were pure and inspirational.

Bells And Branches

It would be impossible not to pluck this Christmas fruit from the tree that dared to bloom in the late autumn, with winter peering over the Advent horizon like a mischievous child.

A Brave Flower

1 comment

They would be irresistible. They would have a scent like an expectant kitchen, full of spices that had traveled through history from the misunderstood continents, the lands of Western fear, of medieval confusion. They would taste like snow falling from the festive clouds: a profusion of crystals blowing through the white air in blissful geometry.

And inside of each one would lie a seed, a tiny window looking into the heart of the fruit. The pulp would be flavored with these sweet prisms - with the alluring light that turned the orchards of this holiday crop into a starry countryside.

Holiday Arrangement

And now this tree was heavy with their radiance. But I decided not to pick the glittering baubles from their branches. I chose a different harvest. I left the tree and its glittering yield behind, knowing that I would be enjoying its shining feast whenever I closed my eyes.

It's Done! Loss for Government As Board of Inquiry Rules LtCol Chessani Not Guilty of Misconduct

Loss for Government As Board of Inquiry Rules LtCol Chessani Not Guilty of Misconduct

December 14, 2009

Chessani Case - Rob Muise BOI Cropped # 3 name ANN ARBOR, MI – Late last Friday afternoon (Eastern Standard Time), after three hours of deliberation, the military Board of Inquiry ruled LtCol Chessani was not guilty of misconduct and should not be demoted.

Nevertheless, the Board’s ruling produced a mixed result. It ruled Chessani must now retire because he displayed “substandard performance” by failing to conduct a more detailed investigation of the civilians killed as a result of the house clearing actions of four Marines after they were ambushed in Haditha, Iraq on November 19, 2005.

The Board’s decision came after a 1½ hour impassioned closing argument on behalf of LtCol Chessani made by Thomas More Law Center attorney Robert Muise. Muise argued Chessani was a scapegoat to appease the anti-war media and anti-war politician John Murtha. “Here’s your scapegoat. Here’s your fall guy, ” said Muise as he pointed at Chessani, who sat silently at the defense table.

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center, commented, “It’s indicative of the weakness of the government’s case that it could not prove misconduct at the Board hearing where the normal rules of evidence didn’t apply and the burden of proof was lessened. We are all greatly relieved that the Board ruled LtCol Chessani was not guilty of misconduct and should not be demoted, However, I believe the overwhelming evidence supported a total and complete exoneration of LtCol Chessani.”

Not one of LtCol Chessni’s superiors ─ including top generals ─ who received his report of dead civilians considered such deaths unusual. Not one ordered a further investigation. Instead, they commended him for a job well done. In fact, LtCol Chessani’s immediate superior told him that no investigation was needed because it was a bona fide combat action - consistent with the orders in effect at the time: no investigation of civilian deaths related to combat action. That order was changed in April, 2006, well after the Haditha incident.

LtCol Chessani’s commanding general, Major General Huck, reported up the chain of command, “I support our account and do not see the necessity for further investigation.” This same commanding General was allowed to retire without going to a Board of Inquiry, and he was allowed to retire as a Major General.

Consequently, not one of LtCol Chessani’s superiors faced, nor will they ever face, a court-martial or a Board of Inquiry for their actions in relation to November 19, 2005.

Of the eight Marines initially charged in the incident, six Marines, including Chessani, had criminal charges dismissed and one was acquitted. Only one Marine still faces criminal charges.

The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes America’s Christian heritage and moral values, including the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life. It supports a strong national defense and an independent and sovereign United States of America. The Law Center accomplishes its mission through litigation, education, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.

Link to Board of Inquiry Order
http://www.thomasmore.org/downloads/sb_thomasmore/ChessaniBOIAugust2009.pdf

Why Hello, Mr. Whiskey Sour

Aubrey
Dec 11, 2009
23 comments

I didn't see you standing there. Do you mean you're waiting for me? You know you're rather a stranger in these parts - and I make it a point not to fraternize with outsiders.

You've been referred to me? By whom? Do I know this person by name? Oh. Yes - a co-worker. And you've been described as smooth, yet biting and delicious? I notice the cherries - what purpose do they serve? No, I'm not being cheeky, I just don't see them working successfully with a jigger of whiskey.

You know, I've never trusted whiskey. Something masculine about it. The last whiskey drink I had was a whiskey and soda I ordered when I was out on a date. It's an old story, Mr. Sour, and I don't think I need to go into detail.

What? My, you are talkative for a famous mixed drink whose sources date back to the 1870's. I agree - this is our Christmas party, and my intention is to get beautifully tanked before the appetizers are served. I'm not sure how you know this, but yes, it is time to celebrate - sloppily.

And...you like my skirt? Now you're making me nervous. I'm old, and I don't know how to deal with compliments anymore. But in that case, let me say that that is a pretty glass - squat but graceful: I wish I could manage that.

OK. My sobriety is boring me, and I'm sure it's boring everyone else at this table (I'm a jolly drunk, Mr. Sour, trust me ) Are you a sipping drink? I will approach you as such - I did so enjoy our conversation, and it would be tragic for it to dissipate quickly.

(pause)

SIR!

You deny your family name - you are sweet, sublime, and with each sip the maraschino cherries delight and tease my vision. You, sir, are an adorable drink, and you are very well met.

Waiter! Another!

Aubrey's New Friend

“Grunt Civilian” Gives Account of LtCol. Chessani's many Character Witnesses

Humbled Infidel
Dec 11, 2009
1 comment

“Grunt Civilian” Gives Account of LtCol. Chessani's many Character Witnesses

December 10, 2009

Email post (#2) by H. Hamilton – A report written by a concerned CA citizen attending the Board of Inquiry for LtCol Jeffrey Chessani.

IF the Board of Inquiry doesn't find Lt Col. Chessani INNOCENT of all charges, accusations, and wrong doing, it won't be the fault of Thomas More Law Center! Lead by Col. Shelburne and Robert Muse, this is one of the BEST, nothing gets by, DEFENSE TEAMS this court observer has ever witnessed.

A finding other than "DROP THESE RIDICULOUS CHARGES BECAUSE CHESSANI IS ACTUALLY SUPERMAN!" would be because the Board is deaf, dumb, and blind! (or the fix is in...)

As I entered the court room, late, a phone caller was giving information on how he would figure out Chessani's retirement based on his 22 years, 3 months service with regards to the Board's decision of IF he had to retire, and IF as a LtColonel or a Major. (Considering Chessani was a fast tracked officer who would have been at least a full Colonel by now, punishment has already been instituted and THAT is a travesty! Anything lower is double indemnity if you ask me...)

Today may have been the easiest day for the Defense... One after another, a parade of long term Marine co-officers and friends, even his pastor, as character witnesses, barraged the Board and prosecution with a long list of detailed compliments to the great Lt. Colonel...

Colonel Paul Greg Allen (ret.), a formidable man with a 30 year 8 mos. career, said Chessani was a "Natural leader on one of the most demanding tours (both Battles of Fallujah) and I was excited to get him there..." Chessani is, "Proactive... Quality exceptionally high... Never an over reaction as a commander..." When asked if there was a noticable difference when Chessani was relieved of duty -- "There was never a grievance, his work product was no different..." (And something like) lesser men sacrifice their integrity -- Not Lt. Col Chessani! (I couldn't write fast enough!) "Highest moral integrity -- Absolute integrity!" Allen had seen "many opportunities to stumble and fall and he (Chessani) has never done that." "Command confidence under extreme conditions -- no stripping Marines of their dignity when chastised -- Top 1% or 2% of ALL Marines I've served with -- ONE OF A HANDFUL OF OFFICERS I'D TRUST IN COMBAT WITH MY ONLY SON, MY WIFE'S LIFE, AND MY OWN..." (Yeah, WOW!!!)

Pastor Ernest Ferdinand (Marcus?) Merritt, an exceptional man with an exceptionally more than pleasant disposition, who had coincidently served in the USMC... Admittedly, I was spellbound... I took no notes -- I was also watching the Board Members to see IF they had any reaction, any signs of humanity, with all of the BEAUTIFUL things said so vividly about the Chessani Family, the devotion, the close friendship of their wives and kids, Mrs. Chessani's Sunday School teaching, the Congregation always giving the most votes to Jeffrey Chessani for the top committees which Jeffrey turned down 3 years ago so as not to blemish the Congregation -- at the Congregation's insistence, he has since accepted the 2 posts... A Man For All Seasons...

Sgt. Maj. William Shaw -- BAM! (They had to slow him down at one point for the court stenographer's sake! Mine too!!) 20 years active duty and a ton of duty including amphibious assault... GREAT ENERGY! Spoke to Chessani's always being out amongst the men, never micro-managing, "Very Patient like a father... ALWAYS open and willing to talk about concerns..." LtCol. Chessani was one of the top 2 commanders out of all 20 he'd ever worked with... "Great character, Moral compass, Warrior, Trainer..." When asked if he'd ever want to serve under the LtCol. again? "I WOULD SEEK IT OUT!"

Lt. Col. Carla Maureen(?) Jessup, now Provost Marshall in K. Bay, HI... A WOMAN OF GREAT SUBSTANCE! Anti-terrorist, Battalion Commander, Perris Island, a whole bunch of stuff!! She's known the LtCol. and his family for almost 25 years BECAUSE THE CHESSANI'S ALWAYS HAD THE NON-MARRIEDS OVER TO THEIR HOUSE FOR MEALS AND FOR CERTAIN, CHRISTMAS!! "Most honest leader of Marines... Genuinely cares for the people around him... HE ALWAYS DOES THE RIGHT THING 'CAUSE IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO..." Has never known him to or would never expect him to ignore ANY kind of problem..." "He cares for everybody the same... MY FAITH HAS BECOME STRONGER BECAUSE OF HIM... I BELIEVE JEFF HAS VALIANTLY SERVED THE CORPS AND HIS MARINES."

Colonel B. Byrne: (After A 40 minute break, I entered late... Then it was hard to keep up, I'm no pro...) Byrne was in charge of fitness reports of Majors, (GUESS WHO WAS AND STILL HOLDS THE #1 PLACE of ALL Majors reviewed?! Yup, Chessani!) RE 1st and 2nd Fallujah fights -- "Exceptional!" He described a number of circumstances in a very large battlespace that included Fallujah, Abu Ghraib, Zadon, etc. where information had to be communicated to his Bravo Command, 4 Marines killed in complex attack ambush... (not unlike Haditha...) The Battle for Fallujah occurred within 10 days of Chessani's arrival, no question he knew what to do, had experienced a child being killed in a house and he knew to report up the command, Regimental Command would make the decision to investigate, if not, you move forward... As to Military Character, "Jeff is an exceptional officer." As to Personal Character, "Jeff has a personal sense of honor that motivates him." (It is important to note that Chessani is accussed of never having "investigated" the civilian deaths in Haditha... RIDICULOUS!) After Byrne had explicitly said that Reg Command makes the decision to investigate after the reports are "pushed up and pushed down," General Craparata asked the absurd -- "But don't you think that it is your duty to investigate every civilian death?" Answer: NO! NOT IF IT IS A BONAFIDE COMBAT ACTION and you CAN'T investigate IF YOU'RE IN THE FIGHT! (AS IN HADITHA!!) Then Byrne added something very poignant, "And if one of YOUR Marines is thought to be culpable, YOU MAY NOT INVESTIGATE IT YOURSELF! (obvious reasons -- but that's exactly what the Board wanted!)

Since there was a long break before General Toolan's testimony and my children needed me, I had to drop the ball................. We'll find out tomorrow -- AND TOMORROW IS (ARE?) CLOSING ARGUMENTS!!

IF ANYONE IS WONDERING IF THEIR DONATION TO THOMAS MORE LAW CENTER ON BEHALF OF LT.COL.CHESSANI WAS WORTH IT -- IT'S THE BEST MONEY YOU EVER SPENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This email was written and submitted by a private citizen not affiliated with the Thomas More Law Center.

LtCol Chessani's BOI Continues - Marine Officers Substantiate his Innocence

LtCol Chessani’s Board of Inquiry Continues ─ “Stand Up” Marine Officers Substantiate LtCol Chessani’s Innocence

December 10, 2009

ANN ARBOR, MI – There was some good news in yesterday’s Board of Inquiry hearing taking place at Camp Pendleton, California. Despite the obvious bias of their high command, “stand-up” Marine officers, Majors Jeffrey Dinsmore and Luke McConnell, in strong and unequivocal testimony, substantiated LtCol Chessani’s innocence.

Today, a long line of “stand up” field grade officers and enlisted men who served with LtCol Chessani are expected to testify as to his outstanding military character.

Chessani Case - Dinsmore headshot & name

Major Jeffrey Dinsmore was LtCol Chessani’s intelligence officer. He has served as an active-duty Marine for over 23 years. In yesterday’s testimony, he informed Board members of the complexity of the daylong engagement in Haditha on November 19, 2005. He also informed the Board his intelligence assessment before November 19, 2005 indicated Marines were going to be attacked in Hadtiha that day. Follow-on intelligence after November 19, 2005 confirmed to Major Dinsmore and LtCol Chessani that the attack on November 19, 2005 was one they were expecting from foreign fighters—namely Syrians.

Chessani Case - McConnell headshot & name

Next to testify, was Major Luke McConnell, company commander of the Marines originally charged in the case. He explained to Board members that he spoke to his Marines, as their commanding officer, during and after the engagement. He personally fought in the engagement. He confirmed his company was in a daylong battle with insurgents. He also went to where the Marines entered homes to clear out insurgents. Major McConnell was briefed by Lieutenant Kallop, the units platoon leader, that he ordered the Marines to clear the homes of insurgents and unfortunately there were civilians killed as collateral damage.

Major McConnell testified that all the Marines he spoke to that day confirmed in his mind the Marines were doing the right thing. Major McConnell testified LtCol Chessani came to Major McConnell’s battle space to be debriefed by him. LtCol Chessani and Major McConnell toured the battle space together and spoke about the days events. Several times after November 19, 2005 Major McConnell and LtCol Chessani spoke about the Marines actions in great detail.

The bad news, as predicted, the government, in its efforts to disgrace and destroy LtCol Chessani, has consistently ignored the rules of fundamental fairness by introducing tainted evidence from other cases that had nothing to do with the allegations against LtCol Chessani, and which would never be allowed in court-martial proceedings.

Part of the evidence the government recently introduced is forensic reconstruction of where the Marines assaulted through residential structures from which they were fired upon. These Marines include Lance Corporals Tatum and Sharratt, who have since been exonerated. This evidence was refuted at earlier hearings.

Furthermore, the government was allowed to introduce evidence clearly not relevant to whether LtCol Chessani was substandard in performance of duty or willfully negligent in not accurately reporting the day of the battle (November 19, 2005). Much of the problematic evidence being placed on the record comes from the enlisted Marines’ cases, which do not involve issues before this board. The most egregious evidence allowed has been pictures of dead civilians that LtCol Chessani never saw, meant only to inflame the Board members— including giant, poster size blow-ups of the dead.

Tomorrow the board will hear closing arguments.
The Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been defending LtCol Chessani at no charge. The Law Center’s attorneys, Robert Muise and Brian Rooney, both former Marine officers, have teamed up with the detailed military attorneys, LtCol Jon Shelburne, USMC, and Capt Jeffrey King, USMC.

The misconduct allegations against LtCol Chessani claim he failed to properly report and investigate the November 19, 2005 Haditha incident. However, the indisputable evidence proves LtCol Chessani immediately reported the deaths of the 15 civilian Iraqis to his superiors.

Not one of his Marine superiors hearing of the civilian deaths ─ including top generals ─ considered it unusual. Not one ordered a further investigation. Instead, they commended him for a job well done. In fact, LtCol Chessani’s immediate superior told him no investigation was needed because it was a bona fide combat action ─ consistent with orders in effect at the time: no investigation of civilian deaths related to combat action. That order was changed in April, 2006, well after the Haditha incident.

LtCol Chessani’s commanding general, Major General Huck, reported up the chain of command, “I support our account and do not see the necessity for further investigation.” This same commanding General was allowed to retire without going to a Board of Inquiry, and he was allowed to retire as a Major General.

Consequently, not one of LtCol Chessani’s superiors faced, nor will they ever face, a court-martial or a Board of Inquiry for their actions in relation to November 19, 2005.

Of the eight Marines initially charged in the incident, six Marines, including Chessani, had criminal charges dismissed and one was acquitted. Only one Marine still faces criminal charges.

The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes America’s Christian heritage and moral values, including the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life. It supports a strong national defense and an independent and sovereign United States of America. The Law Center accomplishes its mission through litigation, education, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.

Link to Board of Inquiry Order
http://www.thomasmore.org/downloads/sb_thomasmore/ChessaniBOIAugust2009.pdf

All The Pretty Pirates

Aubrey
Dec 9, 2009
12 comments

"...but American girls are pretty and charming - little oases of pretty unreasonableness in a vast desert of practical common-sense."
- Oscar Wilde

The England of Victoria was scattered with the bones of their disappointment. They foundered on society's unforgiving landscape and were held fast, like sparrows caught on barbed wire. They swooned, jeweled wraiths, across a countryside of regret.

These were the daughters of America, bred from the new, raw, ricih. Vanderbilt. Morgan. Whitney. Jerome. Thjeir fathers were the barons and the bankers, dirty from railroads, mines and Wall Street. Their mothers were coarse and pushy - seeing their future in the calling cards accumulating in the salverby the door.

They had the money. But the family name needed something beyond wealth, it needed dignity, it needed respectability. So it was the responsibility of their dainty - if doomed - daughters to wash their fathers' hands and smooth their mothers' silhouettes and manners.

These nouveau riche had made their names. But they also needed titles. So they groomed their daughters, pressing them like flowers between the intolerant walls of behavior and decorum. They were being prepred for adventures across the sea, and England was ripe for plunder.

Waiting to be claimed by these "dollar princesses" were the impoverished sons of the peerage, languishing in ballrooms like dying wolves. English girls, steeped in tradition and hooded eyes, had no chance against the audacious competitors which invaded their country. There was a type of charm in their impudence and fresh faces. They flirted and teased with a rapier-like modesty. Like pirates they ransacked the aristocracy until their accents rang in every large house in the country.

But the Victorian aristocracy had been growing tired and decadent. The husbands who had married American money bore hidden depravities and resentments like coiled diseases. Their country houses were dank and moldy, chilling their golden brides. The romantic wistfulness, the daring hand on an ungloved arm, were all for show at the Mayfair parties.

So many times after the marriage, the heiress would fade away, her fine dresses never unpacked, her jewels clouded and tangled. When Consuelo Vanderbilt wed the Early of Marlborough, her tears made a diamante pattern across her wedding veil.

Consuelo

Maud Cunard sacraificed her bohemian mentality for a cold, bitter life in her husband's Northern lands.

Maud

Jennie Jerome's husband was a brilliant parlimentarian, and would die of syphilis.

Jennie

Mary Leiter worshiped her parents' visits: "I love the chairs you sat on, and try to see you there, and my eyes fill with tears."

Mary

This was the Gilded Age, society's golden veneer, the false, desirable beauty. It only took a false word, the image of a young bride in a locked bedroom, to scrape the paint away - to reveal the terrible depths of a dark heart, its cruel, hidden realities.

Direct from Camp Pendleton, First Hand Account of Chessani Board of Inquiry

Direct from the Pendleton Battlefront, A Self Described “Grunt Civilian” gives First Hand Account of Chessani Board Of Inquiry (BOI)...

December 09, 2009

Email post by H. Hamilton – The report from a concerned CA citizen attending the Board of Inquiry for LtCol Jeffrey Chessani.

 Today (12-08-09) started with LtCol Kevin Gonzalez who was GREAT AND 3-4 HOURS!

 Brigadier General Lewis Craparotta (Board member) and the Defense stopped the ongoing, ad nauseum questioning of witnesses since Board already has testimony...

 Lieutenant Colonel Brian Christmas (under Colonel Stephen Davis who says Davis is his hero) was great and another Chessani protagonist who was with Davis 19 Nov '05...

 Colonel Christopher Conlin was there but they've cancelled him, Colonel David Furness too...

 Colonel Julian Alford spoke in the afternoon -- he has been with Chessani throughout their careers and reassured the Board that IF there was any question of the LAW OF WAR being broken, Chessani would have investigated...

 Lieutenant General Natonski (USMC Forces Command) was there... He said EVERY civilian kill, every time, should be investigated -- pretty funny when the Defense asked him if that went for the 2nd Battle for Fallujah and he had to say "No" -- he added that all civilians had been asked to leave so they were "pretty sure" all kills were insurgents... yeah, right... BUT when he started, everything he said was what Chessani HAD done, LTG Natonski was saying things about trusting subordinates to get you the right info was essential (Chessani did!), that it was a "Marine's duty" and the "expectations" were to trust the reports coming up and with ensuing correctional reports changes made (Chessani and Davis did!). SO when asked why he's relieved Chessani of his command, LTG Natonski said it was more than just the killings... It was also:

o The Humvee that tipped over (oh goodness! My son-in-law as a 1st Lt.
o ran a Humvee into a small canal on his first time out in the thing which was great fun for his entire platoon making fun of his "education!!! ...He's now a Company Commander...)
o A HAZING that took place (Oh NO not a hazing!! In the military?!! I thought that was just for college kids and Boy Scouts!)
o The Sky news episode that maybe Don or Clo knows about -- something with a sniper? (They probably killed a nice insurgent...)
o A (better sit down...) HIGH STAKES poker game... Yup, the amount: TWO tril... mmmil... no, thousand dollars... that's $2,000.00 -- TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL...

 When LTG Natonski was done and heading for the door we all had to stand...As he approached the door, he looked neither left nor right... I was at the door so out of respect for the man who had spoken of THE RIGHT THINGS TO DO, I opened it for him AND his minion followed, neither one saying THANK YOU..... So I put my head out the door and loudly whispered, "YOU'RE WELCOME!" at his back -- @?#*~!

12/09 witnesses: 8:00am

1. Major General Richard P. Mills (by phone from Afghanistan) Commander, 1st Marine Division.
2. Major Dinsmoor
3. Major McConnell
4. Hyatt

12/10 Thursday

1. Allen
2. Jessop
3. Shaw (?)
4. Merritt
5. Drake
6. Toolan

Congressional Candidate Lieutenant Colonel Allen West

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Congressional candidate Lieutenant Colonel West speaking at the American Freedom tour in Fort Lauderdale Florida at the Revolution Nightclub.
For more information about the West for Congress campaign or to become involved please follow this link http://allenwestforcongress.com/.

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Keeping Christmas

Aubrey
Dec 4, 2009
7 comments

I don't think I will ever enjoy Christmas as much as I did when I was a child. Back then, seemingly, all I needed to do was wear a silver - as silver as Christmas tinsel - visiting dress:

The Young Aubrey Does Not Trust Cameras

Or kneel by the tree and play with the fire engine which was undoubtedly meant for my brother:

The Young Aubrey Tries Out Brother's Toys First

...in order to know that the very summit of the year had been reached, the time of the bright exhale.

Christmas was the decorated, fragrant tree and a house that was remarkably changed. I had nothing to do with this - I would just watch my parents bring the holiday inside to dazzle us.

Now, during the course of the years, there have come worries, disappointments, petty ugliness and cynicism: the detritus of adulthood, of living on your own. These bruises have hurt the innocence that dared to look forward to a day because it was...happy.

But there is one good thing. Now, every Christmas it is up to me to decorate some lucky tree waiting with evergreen hope beside its brethren in some orchard/hardware parking lot. It is up to me to transform my apartment with shiny things and swathe it with all the radiance of the season. And then on The Day, I will invite my parents over so I can dazzle them.