Mr. FixIt went to the retiree luncheon yesterday and I stayed home to fiddle around in the kitchen. I want to make some Cranberry Walnut Bread, but I didn’t have oranges or orange juice. I ran over to the Pig to get some and when I walked in the door, I was faced with… The Christmas Story. Like in the movie. There was someone in the pink bunny suit with a Red Rider BB Gun…authentic clear down to the horn rim glasses. They had a huge “Cookie Bar”…like a salad bar, but with twenty kinds of cookies! You could fill a box for $5.99 a pound. I got a big box for the neighbor children.

I turned to go on through the store and there was Santa! He was a BIG guy! All the kids were coming around and I don’t know how he did it…but he KNEW their names! You should have seen the look on their faces…it was priceless. I watched them and I was struck with the memory of a vastly different visit with Santa ten years ago. If you’ve been around for some time, I’m sure you’ve read the story.  

When the kids were gone, I had a moment to visit with the jolly old elf. I asked him if he’d like to hear a Christmas story. I told him about losing Mr. Virgo and how sad I was facing my first Christmas without him. I told him about going to the mall for hugs and watching Santa with the children. I told him how Santa motioned for me to come sit with him and how I couldn’t talk because I knew I would cry. Then, I told him that I whispered to Santa… “My husband died. I need a new heart.” 

I wrote that ten years ago. I’ve told that story hundreds of times. And still, when this Santa hugged me, the tears came and it seemed like no time had passed. I asked if I could have my picture taken with him and when I looked at it I realized…the time has definitely passed. There are more wrinkles. My hair has a LOT more grey. But the biggest difference I see is now the smile on my face matches my eyes. Time marches on, doesn’t it?

As I gathered what I needed and headed for home, I felt Mr. Virgo smiling at my memories of him. He’s always with me…he lives safely tucked away in a quiet little corner of my world. And every once in awhile, I go visit him and we sit quietly in that space filled with love and happy memories. And then…I come back to my beautiful life here with Mr. FixIt.

I know there will be a wonderful reunion in Heaven someday where every day is Christmas Day. Till then, we have so many things to see and do. I love the holidays again! There was a time when I never believed I could, but here I am. 

🎄

”I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,“

Philippians 1:3 ESV

#Memories, #Mr. Virgo, #Santa