Smile-breaks
Bits and Pieces
Love. I wanted to write a deeply touching story about love at Christmas for you, but then I got to thinking: love mostly comes in bits and pieces.
The gentleman had a twinkle in his sky-blue eyes as he ranted about the goings-on in the world. We were standing in line at Starbucks. I turned and volleyed a few teasing comments his way and soon we were trading life philosophies, with a lighthearted tack. As I left, we wished each other a Merry Christmas. Bits and pieces.
At the restaurant, my son Craig came around the crowded table, leaned over my shoulder and told me he’d just read my book about his brother Paul and complimented me fervently about my telling of Paul’s story. Bits and pieces. Sometimes large chunks.
I watched my oldest son Bryan, crouched at the edge of the rooftop, carefully setting the Christmas lights in their places for me and got that feeling in my stomach I had years ago when he was a kid sliding into home-plate, the heavily-armed catcher just waiting to tag him. As I watched him, so perilously close to the edge of the roof, I prayed he wouldn’t fall off. He didn’t. Bits and pieces. Large bits.
At the restaurant I frequent frequently—pun just happened—when the busboy sees me as he passes by, a smile comes to his lips. He knows I come with my son in a wheelchair or my dad in a wheelchair and often with my niece. He always acknowledges me with a nod and a smile, as do others of the bus persons, wait persons and managers. Whenever I need a refill on love, I go to the restaurant. Love through the year. . .
My daughter Christy walked in the door one evening after work and asked if Paul and I would like to go to dinner Friday night, her treat. She wanted to thank us for taking care of her dog during the day while she’s at work. Love in the home.
Love from afar. Susie, my girlhood friend lives across the country in Maine, but keeps in touch with e-mails and birthday cards. Marj, another girlhood friend living in Maine, supported Paul all during his recovery from surgery for compressed cervical discs and continues to encourage him with his struggle to walk again, with lots of praise and e-mailed hugs and kisses—always adding a few for me. Bits and pieces through e-mail.
Ever since Jan invited me to join her bible study group I come home Wednesday nights filled to the brim with bits and pieces—from Marv, who takes a special interest in my writing; his wife Mary, always caring for her family; Bob, who loves to “yank my chain” with our differing opinions; Jan and Nancy, who brought me into the group; Debbie, “the boss;” Larry, her knowledgeable husband who knows the Bible inside-out; Mary, the hostess; Margaret, the answer lady; Tom, the friendly guy; and enthusiastic Theresa. Love in many forms.
So many people; so many bits and pieces—Christmas love scattered throughout the year like stars sparkling across the universe. If you listen, you can feel them.
