Reprinted from Downhome Magazine, December 2019
by H. Joseph Seward
In 1949-1950, three of my siblings died, including my only two sisters. We were living in Southport, Southwest Arm, NL, then. In October 1950, we moved to Clarenville, and shortly after I left the province. While I’ve visited on vacations, I’ve not lived there since.
On October 19, 1954, I received a telegram telling me I had a new baby sister. I was determined to see her at Christmas, and make it a surprise for my family. I went to the local children’s store and purchased a white bunny suit, as an appropriate gift for a particular tiny person.
Mom had written to me that she and Dad were naming the baby Janet Marie, for one of my sisters who had died. I wrote back and asked Mom to add the name Leonie for the youngest sister who had died. So she was named Leonie Janet Marie.
I left for Clarenville on December 20, 1954. Travelling by train I arrived in North Sydney, Nova Scotia, and by ferry to Port aux Basques. There I boarded the eastbound train for home. The spectacular beauty of the west coast mountains and the panoramic view of the lakes and forest of central Newfoundland made for a pleasant journey to Grand Falls. From there I went to my berth for the remainder of the ride.
The porter awakened me at 3:30 a.m. for a 4:00 arrival at Clarenville. I disembarked at the station and walked the short distance home. I walked through the unlocked door and deposited my luggage on the kitchen cot.
I met Dad in the hallway; he was coming to see who was in the kitchen, thinking it was someone from Southwest Arm on their way home for Christmas. With a few words of greeting from Dad, it was time to see Mom, who gave me a hug and a kiss. In a bassinet lay my baby sister, Leonie Janet Marie (Sis). I again had a sister to love and admire. I have loved and admired her every day since. After breakfast and a short wait for the stores to open, Mom dressed Sis in the suit I had brought for her. Then I took her to some of the smaller stores to show her off.
Christmas Day, everyone was up early and opened their gifts. After Dad’s special breakfast of fish and brewis, it was time for church. On arriving home after the service, I was met with the aroma of Mom’s Christmas dinner almost ready for the table. Lucky for me some things never change. The roasting turkey, covered with Mom’s special pudding, soon had me craving a huge helping. Christmas vacation passed too quickly, and it was time for me to return to Kentville, Nova Scotia. I hugged and kissed Sis goodbye and walked the short distance to the train station. It was a short, but enjoyable vacation that I will always remember.
The Christmas Baby – PDF – Downhome Article
Joseph Seaward
Joseph Seaward was born in Gooseberry Cove, Trinity Bay, NL, and now resides in Wolfville, NS. He’s a repeat contributor to Downhome.
Joseph was educated at the Canadian Forces Air Navigation School and served 24 years in the military. He has also worked with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and served as president of JoMar Books and the Atlantic Provinces Booksellers Association. He’s a past member and instructor with St. John Ambulance Society of Canada, and was chairman of the New Minas Village Commission in Nova Scotia.
In this issue, on page 112, Joseph shares his memory of coming home to Newfoundland to surprise his family and meet his new baby sister at Christmastime. Joseph’s submissions often show his love for his siblings – in last month’s issue, he submitted a poem written by his late brother, Garfield Seaward, entitled “Why I Wear a Poppy.”
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Transcribed by Wanda Garrett and Emily Seward, January 2022.
These transcriptions may contain human errors. As always, confirm these as you would any other source material