"Grandma, what does Christmas actually mean?" Chloe asked, staring out the window at the swirling blizzard. "Christmas is one of the brightest and kindest holidays, sweetheart. It’s a day when dreams come true and miracles happen. They say if you make a wish on Christmas Eve, it will surely come to pass," Martha replied. "Really?" Little Chloe’s eyes widened with excitement. "So if I wish for Mommy and Daddy to come back home... will that wish come true too?" Martha turned away toward the window, her body trembling as she tried to stifle the tears that betrayed her, streaming down ...

Allison was graduating from college, and a very important chapter of her life was beginning. It was the stage where she had to start a completely independent life, decide on her future, her career, and her family. She was incredibly anxious; she realized she had to make the right choices because her parents simply wouldn't be able to afford a second chance at an education for her. Allison’s father was already 62, and her mother was 54—in other words, she was a "change of life" baby. Her older brother, Anthony, had died two years ago; he had lost control of ...

Ruth watched her son and felt a swell of pride. He had grown into such a handsome man. He stood before the mirror in a sharp suit; in just a few hours, he would be marrying a wonderful girl. Ruth had raised him on her own. His father had walked out when the boy was only five, finding himself a wealthy woman and claiming he deserved a better life. Ruth hadn’t had time for grief; she had a son to care for, and she poured her entire soul into him. As he grew older, she realized she had spoiled him. ...