Reader letter: Windsor Christmas I’ll never forget

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I recently read that 99-year-old Tepperman’s furniture stores, established in in Windsor in 1925, had appointed a new CEO.

It brought back memories from 72 years ago when Nate Tepperman owned a two-storey furniture store at the corner of Ottawa Street and Pierre Avenue.

My younger brother and myself lived close-by and often watched television through the store’s display window, with speakers placed outside. While bundled-up once watching the TV that few people had at that time, we suddenly realized it was Christmas Eve and rushed home thinking we might miss Santa Claus.

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Our mother, suffering from multiple sclerosis, was confined to a wheelchair, and although my dad had little Christmas spirit he took the time to buy a Christmas tree and decorate it for mom and us.

This was my mother’s last Christmas, passing a few months later from MS at age 42. Dad made her last Christmas so very special, buying presents for us, and cooking a delicious Christmas dinner.

I’ve never forgotten the tears in my father’s eyes when he told us our mother had passed. I’m so proud of my father who gave the woman he loved such wonderful care, it was a special chapter in a beautiful love story.

I’m now 86 years old, and wish my mother Florence had lived to spoil her grandchildren like grandmothers do, while also missing her hugs. Yes, two brothers watching TV at Tepperman’s 72 years ago began a Christmas that I’ll never forget.

Happy Hanukkah to the Tepperman family, along with happy holidays and Merry Christmas to all!

Peter J Middlemore Sr.

Windsor

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