Our story begins four months after I discover that mom has had the stroke. It is now Christmas time and everybody is in a good mood. Megan is happy as this is her first Christmas as a mother and I’m happy as well. Growing up I had a lot of great Christmases and I love putting up decorations and shopping as well. As exciting as this Christmas is though, there is something important missing. I knew the year would come when mom would be unable to help me celebrate the holiday and I feel really bad that the first year that she was unable to celebrate Christmas with us is coincidentally the first year Megan and I are parents. I know if mom was here, she would be spoiling her granddaughter and wanting to buy her nice clothes and all the toys she wants. She also had a great habit of making Christmas special for the three of us when she was able to even though as she became older and less capable of celebrating Christmas like she did when we were younger has caused her to lose her Christmas spirit. At this point, she has recovered nicely from the stroke but the doctor said it is not advisable for her to leave her house with fear that she may end up having another stroke. Since Megan and I have agreed that we don’t want our daughter’s first Christmas with us to be in a retirement home, we have regrettably come to an agreement that mom would just sit this one out. She has however sent us all sorts of gifts including some new clothes for Megan and promised to make it point to spend new year’s with her at the retirement home. She has told me to not worry about her condition and instead Megan and I should do our best to make our daughter’s Christmas special. This is something we intend to do.

At the same time, my stepfather named Henry has returned from a business trip to join mom in the retirement home. He is worried about how I will adapt to my first Christmas without mom around but mom has assured him that he shouldn’t worry citing many conversations we had up to this point about this happening sooner or later. He appears to have an idea which could rectify this situation though.

“You know it’s Christmas and you have a granddaughter now. Don’t you think you should be there to help them celebrate?” he asks

“You heard what the doctor said. I shouldn’t leave the house. Besides the last thing I would want during my granddaughter’s very first Christmas as part of this family is for it to be filled with grief if I was to have another stroke at a time when everything and everybody is supposed to be in good spirits. Also I worry about Jefferson. Every year his ultimate Christmas wish comes true which is to have me celebrate with him. He has come to terms with the fact that this is the first year I can’t. Now can you imagine what it would do to him if I had another stroke at Christmas? He may never be able to live it down and this could impair his ability to care for Megan and he may never look at Christmas the same again. I know this may be harsh but it’s the best decision the doctor could have made. It could be much worse, I could have died this year and then I wouldn’t be able to celebrate with them at all. Given the circumstances, I think we got lucky. This is good enough for now. Can we just please try and enjoy Christmas?” mom said.

What if there was a way for you to celebrate Christmas with them?” Henry asked.

“Well there isn’t. What do you want me to do? Shake a snow globe and wish for everything to be back to normal?” mom asked.

“Not a snow globe. This is what I’m trying to tell you. On my business trip, I invented a microchip that allows human brains to be put inside of dogs. It’s the latest in technology.” Henry said.

“Ok so what does this have to do with me celebrating Christmas with the family?” mom asked.

“Well I’m going to install a microchip into this dog’s brain right now. It will look just like an ordinary dog but it will have the same brain you have with the same emotions you have and everything. You’ll be basically killing two birds with one stone. You’ll be able to celebrate Christmas with the family while giving Megan the ultimate Christmas gift. I mean, what kid wouldn’t want a puppy for their first Christmas gift?” Henry said

“I don’t understand anything you just said.” mom said with a confused look.

“I knew you would be confused so I will show you how this works right now.” Henry said

He takes out a stuffed brown dog from a box. “Now just watch as I put the microchip in.” he says.

Henry puts the microchip in the dog and suddenly it’s eyes open and it begins to run around and bark before stopping.

“It’s not doing anything.” mom said while still confused.

“That’s because it’s your brain inside this dog. You control it. Whatever you do from this point forward will be reflected in how the dog acts. Just try something. Try anything you want.” he says

“Sit, stay roll over.” mom said

“No this is a special dog capable of conveying human emotions. He will act just like you would act if you’re in the room. He doesn’t respond to natural dog commands. Just act as if you would if Jefferson was being rude to someone.” Henry explained.

“Hey Jefferson. Don’t be rude and no stress.” mom said as a cardboard cutout of me appears in front of the dog. It still does nothing.

“You know what? This is stupid. He’s still not doing anything.” mom said

“If you remained seated, he won’t do anything. This is the whole point. You have to take action and as you do, the dog will too. Just pretend for a minute that Jefferson really got under your skin to the point where you want to get your point across and you approach him angrily while still being as angry as you just were.” Henry explained.

“JEFFERSON, I SAID STOP RIGHT NOW!” mom yelled as she charged towards the cardboard cutout of me. This caused the dog to growl while running towards me.

“You see, now you got it. You’re basically there in the disguise of a dog and here’s the best part. How many other dogs are capable of handling money? Only the ones controlled by you. From now on, you can buy anything as a dog that Jefferson and Megan need to buy if they order take out or go to the grocery store. You have the money to help them. Watch this.” Henry said

He pretends to be a customer ordering at a coffee shop. He places his order before realizing he forgot his wallet. “Oh well I must be short. If only there was someone I knew who could loan me money.” he said

Just then an image of money show up in front of the dog and it charges towards the counter while giving it to the employee. “Thank you very much.” the employee said.

“This is incredible. So when do I get to go home for Christmas?” mom asked

“That’s the thing. You don’t go home for Christmas. I will put the dog in the box while it still has the microchip inside his brain and send it to Jefferson and Megan to give it to their daughter. Your spirit lives on through this dog. One thing you can do though is track the progress of the animal by simply looking at the screen above you. Now pay close attention because your actions and movements will have to reflect on the dog.” Henry explained.

Meanwhile back at home, Megan is finishing baking a batch of cookies while still asking our daughter what she wants for Christmas.

“I said this before and I will say it again. I’m not what you would call spoiled. I don’t want anything for Christmas. I got what grandma sent me and that’s enough. All I want for Christmas is something I’ve never had. A family that loves each other and doesn’t fight.” Our daughter said.

“Oh come on. There must be something you want.” Megan said

“There’s something I want for Christmas right now actually.” I say

“What’s that?” asked Megan

“I want you to put the mistletoe up anywhere you go.” I say as we share a kiss.

Just then the doorbell rings. It’s the box with the dog.

“I wonder who that could be.” I say

I open the door to find the box. I open it and there is a dog inside. “What’s this? Did Santa Claus come early?’ I ask

“Megan go upstairs to your room please. I have to talk to daddy and I don’t want you to hear what I have to say.” Megan said.

Megan goes upstairs. “How could you get her a dog without asking me first?” Megan asked.

“I thought you got her a dog.” I say.

“You know I hate dogs. Now we have to feed it and walk it not to mention pick up it’s dog business. And what about your allergies?” Megan said

“Look do you remember about the fact that we need to give Megan what she wants to make her happy?” I reply.

“Yes I meant within reason though. It’s one thing to take her and buy her all the toys she wants. Maybe make her favorite dinner and get back together after a fight that supposedly was bad enough for us to never dream to do so otherwise. But so far, she will have asked for two things I’m not willing to give her. She’s not getting a brother or sister and we can’t keep this dog. For god sake, we were barely able to convince a judge that we were capable enough to take our daughter home and be good parents to her but this is where I draw the line. We simply cannot take care of a dog no matter how much she begs us to keep it. This is one of those things that she cannot get despite wanting it. She also needs to learn that there are some things that she can’t get sometimes. I’m sorry but this is a hard no.” Megan said.

“Actually she didn’t ask for the dog. It just showed up on our doorstep. We’re trying to prove that we’re good parents right? I would think that allowing our daughter to keep the dog goes a long way in proving that. I mean, look at her. She’s already bonded with it.” I say.

“Mommy, daddy can we keep it?” our daughter asks.

“Ok but she’s your responsibility. Now go watch tv. I have a lot of cleaning up to do before I start dinner.” Megan said.

Megan goes in the kitchen to find that the dishes are neat and tidy and put away and that the Christmas turkey is already in the oven.

“Did you do all of this to convince me to let Megan keep the dog?” Megan asks.

“No but at least now we can spend more time together.” I reply before we attempt to get intimate.

The dog growls while approaching our daughter and licking her face.

“That was weird. It doesn’t seem like the dog appreciates us getting intimate.’ I said.

The dog barks again while approaching Megan and sitting with her while she watches tv. Megan and I begin getting intimate which causes the dog to bark while shutting the door that separates the kitchen from the living room.

“I think it’s because we should be doing this in front of our daughter. That’s why the dog is barking.” Megan said

“But how would she know what we’re doing?” I ask.

“I guess some things dogs just know.” Megan replies

Just then she notices a somber look on my face. “What’s wrong?” she asks

“It’s just that mom used to say that to my ex and I back when we were teenagers. You know, to not do that in view of other people. It just makes me sad.” I reply.

She closes the door again. DON’T START COMPLAINING ABOUT YOUR MOTHER OR I WILL CANCEL CHRISTMAS ALL TOGETHER. SHE IS GONE AND THERE’S NOTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT IT. YOU EITHER ENJOY CHRISTMAS OR WE WON’T HAVE IT. I’VE DONE MY BEST TO MAKE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL AND I’M SORRY YOUR MOM ISN’T HERE ANYMORE BUT GET OVER IT! SHE’S GONE! NOW HELP ME SET THE TABLE.” Megan demands.

Megan’s tirade forces the dog to growl and eventually bite her. “Get off me you stupid mutt!” she screams as a huge bite mark covers her wrist.

I come rushing into the kitchen. What happened?” I ask

The dog just bit me.” she complained

“Are you sure you weren’t mean to it or didn’t do something to anger it?” I ask.

“No but I think we need to get rid of it. The last thing I would want is for that to happen to Megan.” she replies

“So how are we going to break the news to her?” I reply

“We’ll tell her we’ll get a new dog.” Megan says

The dog growls while showing us a picture of us with mom when we were kids.

“Oh how cute. The dog found pictures of you and your mom. Now I think we really need to get rid of it unless you can prove to me that this won’t incite constant complaints about your mom’s absence. Come on. I will call the shelter right now. I will not ruin Christmas for our daughter over something you can’t control.” said Megan.

The dog growls again while licking my face. It then approaches Megan and licks her face. “Let’s just get ready for supper.” she says

“I made turkey with carrots and mashed potatoes.” Megan said

“I don’t want vegetables. I just want meat and maybe some french fries on the side please.” I reply.

“Don’t be picky. I worked really hard. Now either eat the vegetables with your meal or just don’t eat. You know a lot of people would be lucky to be able to eat this food.” Megan said.

“I don’t want vegetables. Just give me some god damn fries.” I demand as I knock the plate of vegetables over. This causes the door to bark and rush towards me while growling. It makes me a plate of vegetables to go with my turkey while running over to Megan and comforting her by putting her head on her leg.

“You know it’s pretty bad when the dog appreciates my efforts more than you do. Thank you and you such a good puppy. I’m sorry for snapping at you earlier.” she said.

The dog licks her as a means of accepting her apology. Meanwhile the turkey begins to burn to the point where we can’t eat it anymore.

“Well now what are we going to do? I worked all day to make a turkey and now we can’t eat it. Megan said.

The dog brings out a takeout menu. “You see, the dog has the right idea. Let’s just order out.” I suggest

“We don’t have money to order out. Maybe we’ll just eat sandwiches and I can toast the bread.” Megan said

The dog whimpers and runs towards Megan while accessing my debit card transactions. Megan was unaware that I had been sent money from mom with the gift.

“Oh wait a minute. You have plenty of money to order and sandwiches are boring anyway. Ok Jefferson if you want to order out, we can do that.” Megan agrees.

We order a large pizza. When the delivery guy comes to the door, I almost refuse to tip him due to the high cost of the food.

“Sir it’s $100.00.” he said

“Did we order enough food to feed the dog too? For god sake take it back if it’s going to be that expensive. You really love to rip hard working people off during the holidays. Don’t you. I know it’s the holidays and you don’t want to work but my mother is gone. I can’t celebrate the holidays with her but at least I don’t rip people off. I think I have a new name for you. Mr. Scrooge or the Grinch because obviously you hate Christmas.” I rant.

“Come on sir. It’s freezing out here. Do you want the food or not?” he asks impatiently.

“I’ll take the food but you’ll take the exact amount and no tip.” I reply

“Who’s the Grinch and Mr. Scrooge now? Ripping me off at Christmas. Who do you think you are?” the guy asks in a threatening manner.

“I’ll show you exactly who I am.” I reply as I attempt to hit the guy.

“You go ahead you hit me and you’ll never order from our restaurant again.” the guy threatened.

This triggers the dog as it runs towards the door and opens it far enough for the guy to come in and get warm. It licks him while throwing an extra $100.00 in as a tip.

“Good dog. You see even the god damn dog appreciates good service. Merry Christmas.” the guy said as he leaves the house.

As I closed the door, I attempted to embrace the dog only for it to ignore me as it was mad. Instead, it went to wake Megan up as it was time to eat. It just then hit me. All of the dog’s habits were exact habits that mom had. This included everything from it not wanting Megan and I to get intimate around our daughter to wanting me to eat vegetables initially before deciding on pizza. This issue with the pizza delivery guy described her perfectly as she always thought I was rude to people who provided me a service and though this may be harsh, she always thought I was a cheap skate who refused to tip when necessary. There was definitely a lot of connections between mom and this dog. Maybe this was just in my imagination and this dog really had the same mindset as mom. Either way it was a gift for our daughter that she will never forget.

The End