Holiday Memories

—by Gail McIlroy

Christmas was approaching, Toronto was lit up like fifth avenue in New York City, the Bay Street parties were in full swing.

So, I sit here in awe of all the wonderful experiences in my life.

Some great, some not so much. One bit of wisdom I have learned is to make the most out of everyone and everything that passes my way!

There was the time I was going to a very fancy event at the King Edward Hotel in Toronto. Dressed to the nines, ladies in long gowns, men in black tuxedos. My husband and I had agreed to meet at the hotel’s front door. (He was staying at the office where he would shower and change). I would arrive by limousine draped in my finest and nice heritage jewelry from my sweet mom.

As the limousine pulled up to the hotel, the doormen were waiting to assist, I prepared to emerge feeling very smart and well prepared. I quickly thought about what I had accomplished earlier in the day. I had played games like follow the leader with the little energetic boys, around and around the house. The house I also cleaned for the sitter as if she would notice…. her job was to care for these precious little boys.

Earlier in the day I had managed to get all three boys dressed in snowsuits. The eldest enjoyed hanging on to the pram at the back, the baby was tucked in under a blanket, while the younger toddler rode shotgun sitting on a board that was cut to size to fit on to the front of the pram and providing a wind shield to protect the baby from the cold on this sunny Friday afternoon.

Errands accomplished; time to return home from Bloor Street in the west end of Toronto, and to talk the three little boys into taking a nap. Baby with all the fresh air would surely enjoy a nap. Did I mention the pram also served to carry some groceries underneath for today’s later prep for the children and the sitter’s meals?

After all that, I had managed to get my three little boys into their pjs bathed and ready for the sitter, while I prepared to meet my husband at the front doors of the King Edward Hotel with his clients. I remember being thrilled to be included in such a lavish event. The limousine approached the hotel, I couldn’t wait to step out and be greeted by my husband and his dignified guests! At last, we arrived, our momentous evening was about to begin.

What I hadn’t noticed was the aluminum anchor that held the carpeting in place just underneath where the door closes had a bend upwards. Yes, sure enough in this swanky limousine the piece of aluminum that runs along the floorboards was bent, bent just enough for my “high heels” to get caught underneath. So, as I emerged to greet these clients and my husband, I did a face plant while on the arm of the door man! I did so headfirst on to the sidewalk. Yes, the high heels were strong enough to be stuck and held causing my demise…only my pride was really hurt.

My husband was annoyed with my arrival while the clients were very polite and didn’t say anything, just looked at the mess on the sidewalk before them: this wife with blood drizzling down her face. So this was the woman they had heard about, not quite the way they had imagined. The rest of the evening went downhill from there! Dress torn at the bottom, and my right knee had gone through the silk of my stockings.

After trying to hide on the dance floor, and a lovely meal of Beef Wellington I believe, finally the ride back to our home. Babysitter paid and driven home, the three little boys all happily sleeping in their beds.

The joy of motherhood was always inspiring…and although this night didn’t turn out as planned, it will just go down as an experience not to be repeated, if possible. The three little boys were all safe and loved, the rest really didn’t matter!