Mom, never forgetting her own memories of christmas wishes unfulfilled, was determined that this one would be granted. She would find a camper. Calls were made, favors promised, friends sent out to every store in town to no avail. Whispered calls and anguished shopping trips only brought bad news.  

Sis never doubted for a moment that she'd wake to her dearest wish...the last real toy she'd ever ask for, since she was leaving childhood. When mom sat down to tell her that there were no campers to be found she took it well and tried so hard to hide the tears. We all pored over the Wish Book with her trying to find a second choice and we all noticed how she wouldn't open that magical page that showed the cherished camper. 

Two days before christmas mom shooed us all out to play so she could wrap and bake. Her eyes gleamed and the day was spent in laughter and whispers. Sis was called in and when she came back out to play, she walked a little taller and she sat us down to explain her secret job. A pair of leather work boots had been wrapped for dad but they were a big surprise. Her name was on the package so he wouldn't suspect a thing...she was to open the box and act surprised when it was boots. 

We sat in a circle, each taking a turn to open a gift, sharing our joy and our surprise. Sis opened two of hers and when her turn came again, she chose the boots box with a twinkle in her eyes. She sat at dads feet and tore at the wrapping as we all watched breathless to see her reaction. It had been found in Toronto and a truck driver passing through had been enlisted to deliver it...  promises of childhood almost at an end. 

A scream....and tears....no gift was more cherished that year and we all shared in her joy equally.  

When I think of my best christmas present, it's the Barbie camper that comes to mind...watching someone find their hearts desire...the true spirit of christmas. I've never wanted a Barbie for myself, but that year, all I  wanted was for my mom to find a Barbie camper.