Tidings of Comfort and Joy
sigh.
Four days before Christmas, and things have been going smoothly. Presents have been bought, wrapped, and strategically hidden for Santa's arrival. Cookies have been baked, packaged, and strategically hidden in the freezer for Christmas day. Clothes have been planned. School favors have been prepared. And all is running smoothly in our home.
That is . . . until 1:00 AM.
"MOMMA? . . . "
Ella woke with a fever, followed by a quick little bought of flu like symptoms. But never fear . . . it was quick, and I think more a reaction to some nasty phlegm than really anything more serious. But it made for an interesting night, as she and I sat up on the couch watching Tom & Jerry; The Nutcracker (of course!) This morning, things were as expected . . . lots of snow, getting Katie ready for school, making arrangements for me to stay home from work, as Ella could not go to school. I had presents to drop off at pre-school and lap tops to pick up at my office, all within a calculated time frame to arrive back home before PG had to start work. It was a crazy morning . . . but really no more crazy than usual.
On the way back home from my office, I made one quick unscheduled stop at our local butcher, CP Meat Market. I've written about them before here. I love CP Meat Market. And today, I had to stop there.
Because 8 years ago today, my father was buried. And my father was a butcher. And whenever I need to feel my Dad . . . I stop at CP Meat Market. They don't know that I have put such responsibility on them, but I have. I can't help it. So this morning, in the middle of solving the crisis of our home and coordinating the comings and goings of our little family, in the middle of making sure that everyone got where they needed to go and knowing that everyone was taken care of, I did a little selfish thing . . . and did something to take care of myself. I went to CP Meat Market.
Silly, isn't it? That a meat market can give you peace?
Yes. It is. I know it is. And that's OK.
At 9:10AM the Tuesday before Christmas, it was already crowded with people picking up their orders. A man in front of me in line picked up his order from a local community park district . . . $862.01 of ham. Can you imagine? Out came box after box full of hams being carried like a float in the Macy's Thanksgiving day Parade. Someone is eating good this Christmas.
When it came my turn to order, I asked for the usual, "Four stuffed chicken breasts, a pepperoni pizza set up, and 1/2 lb. of bologna, please."
"Is there anything else I can get you, Ma'am?" he asked, after completing my list of items.
I wanted to ask if he could, just for a few minutes, send me my Dad. Just to tell me that I would make it through the day, and that this too shall pass. But I didn't. I said, "Nope, that's it." He turned and clicked away at the register keys to figure out my damages. I looked around the store and for a short time, I felt my Dads presence there with me. I felt Comfort. And Joy. And I didn't want to leave.
As I grabbed my bag and headed towards the door, I paused for a few minutes and looked around. My Dad didn't work in a shop like this, but for some reason, I still feel close to him when I am there. It is a good feeling.
I'm wishing you all a wonderful day, full of Comfort and Joy. You never know where you may receive it, once you open your heart to it. Today, I found it at a our butchers shop. And it was wonderful.
Four days before Christmas, and things have been going smoothly. Presents have been bought, wrapped, and strategically hidden for Santa's arrival. Cookies have been baked, packaged, and strategically hidden in the freezer for Christmas day. Clothes have been planned. School favors have been prepared. And all is running smoothly in our home.
That is . . . until 1:00 AM.
"MOMMA? . . . "
Ella woke with a fever, followed by a quick little bought of flu like symptoms. But never fear . . . it was quick, and I think more a reaction to some nasty phlegm than really anything more serious. But it made for an interesting night, as she and I sat up on the couch watching Tom & Jerry; The Nutcracker (of course!) This morning, things were as expected . . . lots of snow, getting Katie ready for school, making arrangements for me to stay home from work, as Ella could not go to school. I had presents to drop off at pre-school and lap tops to pick up at my office, all within a calculated time frame to arrive back home before PG had to start work. It was a crazy morning . . . but really no more crazy than usual.
On the way back home from my office, I made one quick unscheduled stop at our local butcher, CP Meat Market. I've written about them before here. I love CP Meat Market. And today, I had to stop there.
Because 8 years ago today, my father was buried. And my father was a butcher. And whenever I need to feel my Dad . . . I stop at CP Meat Market. They don't know that I have put such responsibility on them, but I have. I can't help it. So this morning, in the middle of solving the crisis of our home and coordinating the comings and goings of our little family, in the middle of making sure that everyone got where they needed to go and knowing that everyone was taken care of, I did a little selfish thing . . . and did something to take care of myself. I went to CP Meat Market.
Silly, isn't it? That a meat market can give you peace?
Yes. It is. I know it is. And that's OK.
At 9:10AM the Tuesday before Christmas, it was already crowded with people picking up their orders. A man in front of me in line picked up his order from a local community park district . . . $862.01 of ham. Can you imagine? Out came box after box full of hams being carried like a float in the Macy's Thanksgiving day Parade. Someone is eating good this Christmas.
When it came my turn to order, I asked for the usual, "Four stuffed chicken breasts, a pepperoni pizza set up, and 1/2 lb. of bologna, please."
"Is there anything else I can get you, Ma'am?" he asked, after completing my list of items.
I wanted to ask if he could, just for a few minutes, send me my Dad. Just to tell me that I would make it through the day, and that this too shall pass. But I didn't. I said, "Nope, that's it." He turned and clicked away at the register keys to figure out my damages. I looked around the store and for a short time, I felt my Dads presence there with me. I felt Comfort. And Joy. And I didn't want to leave.
As I grabbed my bag and headed towards the door, I paused for a few minutes and looked around. My Dad didn't work in a shop like this, but for some reason, I still feel close to him when I am there. It is a good feeling.
I'm wishing you all a wonderful day, full of Comfort and Joy. You never know where you may receive it, once you open your heart to it. Today, I found it at a our butchers shop. And it was wonderful.
Sniffle...sniffle... what a great post. I miss him too....
ReplyDeleteLeanne, glad you took that time out today for yourself and found some comfort and joy.
ReplyDeleteI am crying. I am sitting at my computer crying and smiling, while thinking of your dad. He would have loved to see how you and your talent for words touch so many people's lives. He was a great guy. You are alot like him. Have a wonderful holiday my friend.
ReplyDeleteI am sniffling too! My post today was about my grandma, so this one really sent me over the edge.
ReplyDeleteMy dad is still with us. He is a printer (brochures, publications, etc.) and every time I walk into a print shop, the smell of ink, toner and other chemicals reminds me of him. It wasn't until I read your post that I realized it always will.
So sorry that you are missing your dad this chaotic day - but thank you so much for the reminder to cherish those we still have with us.
Oh, what a sweet, wonderful post! You have to do what's important to YOU, even if no one else on Earth understands it. Of course you feel close to your dad there, with people feeding and nurturing and doing their best to make the holiday special, just as your Dad did in helping others to celebrate. And it's especially important when such a sad anniversary comes at the holidays to do whatever you can to hold on tight to the memories, which are so priceless ....
ReplyDeleteAwww, Leanne. I love it. When I want to feel my Dad I turn on a static filled radio and listen to Major League Baseball. Brings me so much comfort.
ReplyDeleteLove ya'.
Les
Not only did you feel him there today, you shared him with us. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this, Leanne. We always missed our loved ones who are no longer with us...but this holiday season magnifies those feelings by 10!!
ReplyDeleteAhh.. that's nice. I find peace in a book store or library.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas friend - I hope that feeling of comfort and joy stays with you.
*sniff sniff* I'm glad you found yourself some peace and joy, wherever it can be found for you :)
ReplyDeleteOh Leanne, this brought tears to my eyes. I'm so glad you found a place to feel closer to your dad. What a nice way to find your comfort and joy in an otherwise hectic day.
ReplyDeleteHope your little one is feeling better.
Merry Christmas!