Symbolism

It was a cold winter night. I had nothing. I was freezing and starving. I had been out on the streets for 3 weeks now. I was in a plane crash and the only survivor. Now, I was in the middle of nowhere. No cars had passed by, but I knew tonight would be different. I could feel it. After many hours, I woke up to the sound of a horn. It was a car! I jumped up and waved my arms and screamed. It was a lady and she rolled her window down and asked if I was okay. I told her my story. She was going to let me stay a night at her house and bring me to a shelter the next day. I got in her car and instantly felt comforted by the smell of her car freshener. It smelled like Christmas trees. It was Christmas! My first one without my family. We we got to her house I saw the Christmas tree. It was lit up and decorated with beautiful ornaments. The lady told me her name was Marie and her husband was named Joe. They told me I could sleep in their guest room and I fell asleep immediately. I woke up the next morning and had my first meal in 3 weeks. It was so good. Then, Marie took me to the shelter. When we got there, the lady at the front desk told us the shelter was full, so Marie took me back to her house. I was very grateful. I stayed here for another two weeks. I was really starting to bond with this family and it was 10 days before Christmas.

Marie woke me up the next morning. She told me the shelter had more space. She left the room and I packed me stuff. I began to weep. I loved this family and it was my last hope. I got to the shelter and was put in a room with other children my age. I slept on the floor that night. I sometimes played with the other children my age, but I didn't make any new friends. The day's continued to be long and boring until it became Christmas Eve. I could feel the excitement. We even got to have cookies that night. The next morning, I woke up and followed the other kids. There were presents, but not enough for all of us. I decided to let the younger kids get the presents and I would get the leftover ones. Then, I got called into the office. I thought I had done something wrong because they told me to sit down. It was silent until some people walked into the door. It was Marie and Joe! The shelter workers explained to me that they were going to adopt me! I was so happy I cried for an hour straight. I smelled the Christmas tree scented car freshener and felt confronted once again. This time I knew for sure I would always feel this way. We got back to their house and I saw that they had decorated a room for me and they even got me presents! Whenever I decorate the Christmas tree every year with my family, I remember my story and how blessed I am to be loved and to have a home to call my own.

The tree and the smell of the tree are a symbol of comfort and love.
Marie and Joe are a symbol of God, my savior, who protects and loves me.