The Best of Us

In the fainting stardust of early morning dreams, a thought latched onto a distant memory. Foggy at first, only shadows filled my head. It was something about a Christmastime of days past … where a special connection had flourished, delighted and comforted. I sat up and wrapped myself in a warm comforter.

Yes, there she was. Standing at her front door was a slender lady with soft, graying hair piled elegant and twisted with a pearl comb. She stood tall before me posture perfect. Her manner was playful, her eyes bright as she waved me in. Accepting her gracious invitation, I stepped into her beautiful cottage. My eyes danced about noting how lovely and welcoming everything was - all an extension of her. Over the table, munching on fresh holiday confections with honeyed tea, we talked about many things. We spoke of earlier times, of hopes grasped and of those that slipped away. We shared so much of our life experiences, laughing and even swiping a tear.

Daylight then dimmed to evening dust.

Throwing my purse over my shoulder, I glanced at a pottery piece I admired when I came in. A hand swept by me and held it up. “Take this. I know you will enjoy it.” The corners of her eyes hopeful and sparkling with delight.

There was a long pause. She nodded. I smiled.

***

The grand day of Christmas was in the air. So, I went to my favorite store. Taking my breath away, the mountain of holiday goods surrounded my every step. Overwhelmed, my head swirled with buying this instead of that. But I had prepared a list - to stick with. Soon my arms were filled with lovely treasures and fun treats. I hurried to the front counter, only to find a trail of shoppers ahead of me. There I stood, arms aching and neck sweating. Shifting my stance, I rearranged packages a little differently until … it all gave way into a terrible pile on the floor.

Probably a good time to sneak out.

Suddenly knees were bending all around me, picking up my stuff. One kind gentleman with a long beard and twinkling blue eyes chuckled as he waved me forward in line.

I looked down. Who was that fellow anyway? On my flushed red face, I managed a crooked grin. A moment later, I turned to offer a thank-you, but the man was gone.

Hmm …

***

There is much expectation with this upcoming holiday. I will be hosting on Christmas Eve and just the thought is tickling my happy bone. I will most likely stir the sauce and hop from window to window, peeking through the shutters in anticipation of their arrival. I will be beside myself.

Finally. Up the sidewalk they will come, bags filled with surprises … faces expectant and filled with joy. I look again, missing a daughter who lived miles and miles away. I envision her in a wink of my mind’s eye, bringing me cheer.

As family, we will share stories of our lives as our mirth shakes the dining room table. Leaving festive napkins, we then gather around the twinkling tree, exchanging special hand-picked gifts.

They will wait with full attention as I begin to unwrap. But instead of tearing through the decorative paper, I will take my time, savoring every rip.

Definitely creating the most wonderful memories.

***

There is much for us to play forward. Then. Now. Tomorrow. Because the little things really do count … adding up to more than the sum of their parts. As we share the best of us.

… “and that’s how I live it.”