This year, I thought I was too busy to commit to a traditional lunch date, so I ignored the thought of it.
He called.
I let it go to voicemail. As always, he told me who it was, wished me and my family a Merry Christmas, and that he was starting a new job the next day. He is kind and genuine, which is what I love about him.
Guilt rushed at me.
Andy was a student of mine twenty years ago. With the convenience of social media, we reconnected and learned we were both in Arizona. Since then I have enjoyed annual birthday lunches and lavishing him with Christmas cookies over the holidays.
I texted him and asked if I could take him to lunch following his orientation. We agreed upon Streets of NY Pizza where we scarfed garlic knots, salad, and bowls of spaghetti and meatballs.
He told me he took two buses, and walked a mile to get to his new job, and he was so excited, more than excited to be working. He talked of friends and his walks to the library for computer access, and how proud he was that he learned how to make fajitas this year. Now he even had somewhere to sit in his apartment since some friends found him an old couch, and recently they brought him a couple of blankets so it could be his bed too.
Stop. I didn’t know.
I sat there thinking, It is the most wonderful time of the year… but I was too busy Christmasing to take two hours out of my day for lunch. For him, a chance to enjoy fun conversation with a friend, a warm meal and a drive back to the bus station, was a gift.
I was torn between protecting and accepting, but I believe in Santa. And Santa knows where he lives.
When we got to the bus station I took out his bag of goodies, plopped a Santa hat on his head and put a tiny Christmas tree in his back pack. He held the leftover spaghetti and beamed!
“Mrs. Holland, (I love that he still calls me that) you brought me the Christmas spirit!”
I didn’t cry…yet.
Just when you think you might be the magic, the magic lands back in your lap. No…gifts are not always tied up with a pretty ribbon under the tree.
On the way home I received a text that said: Thank you for the best Christmas I ever had.
And he has no idea what a gift that was to me.
Donna
PS. This will forever be a favorite moment.2017 Favorites
What a beautiful Real Christmas story.
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Thank you. I came away a little sad, but empowered. Thank you for stopping by. Merry Christmas.
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Merry Christmas.
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It never ceases to amaze me when we push ourselves to be available for connection, the wonderful gifts we receive! Merry Christmas, Donna!
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Agreed. Thanks hoping There is a Christmas hike in the works for you. There will be for me. Thanks….
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So sweet!
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Thanks Julie. He is…
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Donna – I wish there was a “LOVE” button instead of just “like” for this post. I’ve only known you for a short while, but it is clear to me after reading this post, you’ve made a difference in your life so far. You are a gift, thank you, for all you do! The message in this post is truly a gift!
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Thank you Shelley. I think if we all just pay attention, life is so much greater. I think to move gracefully through life rather then blasting through has taught me so much about life. I am lucky to be sent these messages. Thank you so much.
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I was very moved by this, Donna, and how his simple “Thank you for bringing Christmas spirit with you” just puts it all into proper perspective. I just found out thst one of my struggling college students is literally homeless and I will be working with him in my class next semester to bring him to success to be able to graduate. We are blessed that students feel comfortable enough to reach out to us professors for either a blessing or some mentoring—apparently it can go both ways. Merry Christmas to you and yours Donna!
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Gave me chills to learn of that one of your kids reached out to you. They are usually the ones who never complain and just DO life. Something tells me this person will meet success in life and you will smile gracefully to their side. So glad you shared this Terri. Thank you.
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Truly… “To teach is to touch a heart forever.” Merry Christmas
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Thank you. Agreed. Thank you so much.
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What a lovely story!
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Thank you Sue. Amazing what the littlest moments teach us and make them the BIG things.
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