And Then There Were Three

That tragic November morning changed everything. The storm that struck was unimaginable. Eight-year-old Brandon was killed while walking to school, hit by a speeding car driven by an underage driver. The loss was devastating and unforeseen.

The loss left a huge hole in their hearts, making the idea of celebrating Christmas without him unbearable. When Ward Cunningham, Brandon’s father, saw only three stockings hung by the fireplace instead of four, it painfully reminded him of the missing family member. Where there was laughter from four voices, now only three remained.

Ward’s calm and steady demeanor had always strengthened his wife, Cynethea, and their fifteen-year-old son, Andre. But this Christmas, every attempt to recreate their traditions felt hollow and incomplete. The festive lights he once strung with pride now seemed to mock their loss.

One of Brandon’s favorite times had been when his father read dinosaur stories to him at bedtime. Ward’s voice brought the stories to life, and Brandon would listen with wide eyes and full attention. With Brandon gone, those stories and the moments they shared were now silent.

Cynethea was a woman of faith and strength. She had always been the heart of the family, the one who kept everyone together. Brandon’s absence reverberated through every corner of the house. Where there once was a lively bustling table set for four, there was now an empty seat that could never be filled. Though grieving deeply, she knew she had to remain strong for Andre.

Brandon had shared a special bond with his grandmother, Big Ma. Big Ma discovered how much Brandon liked sweet potatoes and prepared them for him whenever he visited. The smell of sweet potatoes now brought tears to Cynethea’s eyes, a bittersweet reminder of Brandon’s favorite treat and the special moments he shared with Big Ma.

Andre, a typical fifteen-year-old, full of energy and dreams for the future, had always looked out for his younger brother, Brandon. Despite their age difference, they shared a special bond. But now, the once lively duo was reduced to a solitary figure. The games they played together, the secrets only they shared—all lay dormant with Brandon’s absence. Christmas, which had always been a time of joy and excitement, now felt like a painful reminder of what they had lost.

Every ornament Andre hung on the tree felt heavier, knowing it should have been placed by his brother’s hands. “There used to be four of us,” he thought constantly. “Now, there are just three.” The joy that once filled their home now seemed like a distant memory.

Despite their heartbreak, they focused on their mission. In seven months, they planned to leave for ZUO Mission Station in Liberia, West Africa, to help the Gola people. It was meant to be a new chapter in their lives. But Brandon’s untimely death left the mission feeling incomplete, missing a crucial piece.

Thanksgiving had always been a special time for the Cunningham family. They gathered around the table, sharing a meal and expressing gratitude for their blessings. This year, it had been especially poignant. They were thankful for each other, for the love that had held them together even through the hardest times.

Brandon had always looked forward to Thanksgiving because it meant that Christmas was just around the corner. He loved the excitement of the holiday season. He enjoyed the summertime and the fun vacations they took, but Christmas was extra special. The decorations, the atmosphere, and the joy of giving and receiving gifts made Brandon's eyes light up with anticipation.

As they sat around the table, Cynethea couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow mixed with gratitude. “Brandon always looked forward to this time of year,” she said softly. “He’d be so excited to start talking about Christmas.”

Andre nodded, his eyes brimming with tears. “He loved everything about it. The decorations, the carols, the presents—Christmas was his favorite day of the year.”

Ward reached out to hold Cynethea’s hand, his voice steady. “Let’s make this Christmas special, even if it’s just us. We’ll do something in Brandon’s memory.”

As Christmas Eve approached, Ward, Cynethea, and Andre went to Big Ma’s house, seeking comfort. Big Ma welcomed them warmly, her eyes full of understanding and love.

Seeing their sorrow, Big Ma gathered them in the living room. “I know this Christmas is different,” she began softly, “but we must hold onto hope and strength for each other.”

Brandon had been excited to give his dad a dinosaur for Christmas. He had asked Big Ma to keep it at her house so that Dad wouldn’t find out. As the family gathered together, Big Ma handed Ward a small, wrapped box. “This is something Brandon left for you,” she said. “He wanted you to have it.”

Ward opened the box to find a small dinosaur figurine, one that he had given Brandon on his sixth birthday. Holding the figurine tightly, Ward’s eyes welled up with tears. “Wow, this is so special,” he whispered. “This means the world to me. I can feel Brandon’s presence in this gift.”

Big Ma smiled warmly, her eyes also moist. “Brandon had such a big heart. He knew just how much this would mean to you, Ward.”

Cynethea put a hand over her heart, looking at the dinosaur. “That’s our Brandon, always thinking of others. We’ll keep his spirit alive every day.”

Andre gave a heartfelt nod, his eyes glistening. “This is perfect. It’s just like something Brandon would do.”

On Christmas morning, the house was filled with the scent of freshly cooked breakfast and the sound of soft carols. Despite the pain, Ward, Cynethea, and Andre worked together, sharing responsibilities and finding moments of laughter amidst the sadness. As she watched Ward and Andre bond over their tasks, Cynethea’s heart warmed.

In the family room, the tree’s lights illuminated their faces with a gentle glow. The house felt warmer than it had in months. As they relived those cherished memories, Cynethea thought about Brandon’s last Christmas with them. He’d been so excited about the train set he got. “He’d laugh every time it went around the track,” she mused.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Opening it, they found their neighbors, Preston and Susie, standing outside with warm smiles and arms laden with gifts.

“We wanted to bring a little joy to your Christmas,” Susie said gently. “We know how difficult it’s been for you.”

Ward invited them in, and the two families spent the morning sharing stories and laughter. Coming together brought a sense of unity and hope that had felt so elusive. The presence of their neighbors reminded them of the community’s strength and support.

Throughout the day, Ward, Cynethea, and Andre found themselves smiling and laughing. The presents under the tree, the decorations, and the care from their neighbors helped to fill the void. In the spirit of the holidays, they decided to donate all of Brandon’s gifts to a local charity, bringing joy to other children.

That evening, by the fireplace, Ward took out the dinosaur figurine and began to tell one of Brandon’s favorite dinosaur stories. Cynethea smiled softly, remembering the times Brandon would listen intently. Andre, too, listened with wide eyes, just as Brandon once did. It was a bittersweet moment, but one filled with peace and love.

“We’re still a family,” Cynethea said softly, her voice filled with emotion. “We always will be, no matter what.”

As the fire crackled softly, Ward, Cynethea, and Andre found a moment of solace. They were a family of three now, but the love they had for Brandon would always be a part of them. This first Christmas without him was the hardest they had ever faced, but it was a step towards healing and finding a new way to celebrate the love and moments they shared.

As they sat together, holding onto each other, they knew that they would get through this, one Christmas at a time.