Monday, November 23, 2020

The Citizens Are Coming! by Kathryn Hills #RomanceGems


If you’ve followed this Romance Gems blog for any amount of time, you know the inhabitants of Camp Hills often have adventures. So, why would the Thanksgiving holiday be any different? Sit back, and I’ll tell you a story…

It was autumn more than twenty years ago, and we’d recently moved back to New England after living down south. A homecoming we were excited for, as Mr. H comes from a big family, and relatives would be within driving distance again. We were a happy little family unit with Darling Daughter (DD) and a cute Dachshund puppy. How fun to spend the holidays in our new home!

Darling Daughter was a first grader at the time. New school. New Friends. Thrilled by all the build-up to the holidays, since her new teacher had many projects planned for the class. All good things, because moving can be challenging for any child.

You see we’d left an urban setting for a more rural one, and both DD and the pup were anxious. Everything was different. For starters, it was incredibly dark at night, and there were wild things living in our yard. Deer and fox regularly crossed our lawn, not to mention the flock of wild turkeys and howling coyotes that traumatized the dog.

Fast forward to late November and our first Thanksgiving in the new location. It was an unusually warm afternoon when I picked Darling Daughter up at school the Friday before the holiday. We returned home to play with the dog, her favorite thing to do. Yet DD seemed off, distant, and preoccupied. When I asked what was wrong, her tone and expression turned ominous. “The citizens are coming,” she whispered.

“What?” I asked in confusion. “What ‘citizens’ are coming, and to where?”

“To my school. My teacher said so, and she said we’d better behave, or they’ll be very mad.”

Let me pause here for a moment to explain that I am an avid horror, paranormal, and fantasy reader and movie enthusiast. THIS statement sent chills down my spine.

“Why are they coming?” I prodded.

DD dropped her gaze. “Teacher says we have to serve them.”

Okay. Stop the presses! What the heck is going on here?

Of course, I questioned my daughter further, but it was to no avail. She had no more information to give. Of course, again, it was the weekend before Thanksgiving, so there was no one to call at school to ascertain what was going on.

On Sunday night, Darling Daughter was concerned about going back to school. She told Mr. H the same thing. “The citizens are coming.” He shot me the look.

When I dropped DD off at school the next morning, I assured her I’d find out what was happening. Her answer…with a stoic expression… “It’s too late, Mommy. They’ll be here soon.”

*gasp*

We still laugh about this story each Thanksgiving. Turns out “the citizens” were senior citizens from a nearby nursing facility. The children were hosting them for a Thanksgiving-themed party. Also turns out Darling Daughter’s teacher was a bit wound up about the whole event, and she had warned her students to behave or there would be dire consequences.

The moral of this story? Life with a someday-author—and her imaginative daughter—will be an adventure. Just ask Mr. H. Must be all that excess creativity, flitting about. I’m just glad the movie The Village hadn’t aired yet. 😊

This holiday season, I wish you peace, love, joy, and good health. Share some funny stories with those you love best, even if it is via Zoom or by phone, so everyone can stay safe.

Thanks for reading. Happy Thanksgiving!

~ Kathryn

If you enjoyed my story, please FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK for more of my antics.


18 comments:

  1. Great story. Too bad you don't have pictures of her saying, "Citizens." I picture a grim almost terrorized expression. Hope those seniors weren't too scary. I'm sure they'd have enjoyed this tale too.

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    1. hahaha...Thank you, Nora! I'm happy to say EVERYONE, including DD, had a wonderful time at the Thanksgiving party!

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  2. This story is excellent!! It reminds me of all the years I taught Kindergarten and some of the things my students would say. Thanks for sharing it!

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    1. I bet you have fantastic stories, Kari! I love the way kid's minds work and what they say! ❤️

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  3. I love this story! Thanks for the bright spot in my morning.

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    1. Aawww...Thank you, Bonnie! I'm glad our crazy antics bring some joy. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  4. Oh my! I love this story. Only you! :)

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    1. You know me so well! hahaha My dad used to say I'm a magnet for weird. 😁

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  5. This story made me laugh. I needed the citizens this Monday Morning. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. I'm so glad, Marcia! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! 😊

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    1. ❤️ Wishing you and yours a lovely Thanksgiving, Kathleen!

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  7. Those seniors can be pretty scary at times! Love this story!!!

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    1. Hahaha...Thank you Hannah! SO funny! My daughter spends so much time with seniors now, and she's a real love. Maybe it all goes back to this early experience. 😊

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  8. I always enjoy your funny stories, Kathy. I can just imagine your daughter saying that with a voice of foreboding. Memories like that are precious. Happy Thanksgiving.

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    1. She did have that voice, Joan! I was hooked, captivated, somewhat horrified...okay, totally horrified. LOL We're a wild bunch in Camp Hills, that's all I can say. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, Joan!

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