It's been two weeks since I've squeezed Naysia baby. Sure, we've talked or texted every single day since then, but it is so odd not seeing her sweet face everyday. I'm not even sure that it's set in that she won't come strolling thru the front door, serving mad attitude. Those close to me thought it was crude that she left so close to Christmas thus leaving me all alone. But, I was confident that my first solo Christmas was going to be good.
December 23rd--I was determined to spend my day immersed in God's word. I parked off Broadway and took an Uber to The Aztec Theater. Pearl Street Church packed the house, the music was great and Pastor Caddell reminded me just how much I enjoy the passage by Dr. S. M. Lockridge, "That's my king! Do you know him?" Immediately after service I dashed out a side door. I came out just along the river. Conversation buzzed below while a nearby church bells rang, "What Child is This".
I soon found myself at Travis Park. The city tree, too, looked weathered as if it's ready for the holiday season to be over. There were very few people at the park. I sat under a tree, watched the leaves fall, stalked a family playing kick ball, and contemplated talking to the police officer seated in the group of chairs across from me.
My next stop was The Rock Fellowship. Beautiful Azari, whom we met at Pearl Street, goes there. We'd been once before on a Tuesday night--and I've had some interaction with Rock members via Reeka's Sweets. I showed up about 5 minutes after service started and I felt like I was walking into either one of my Grandma's houses. The music was phenomenal. The play, Modern Family 2, was hilarious, yet moving. After service I wove my way through the group, loved on Azari and met a young lady that I'd made a birthday cake for....and she had some powerful words for me! I came home energized and started working on a very large cookie order for my team. Judith popped by--and as usual a visit that was to be a short one turned into hours of conversation.
December 24th--After a short work day I came home and cranked out some more cookies. In the afternoon my next door neighbors John and Ray invited me over for what was to be a quick happy hour. I showed up wearing my elf suit complete with shoes with bells. Two hours later we were still laughing, listening to classic R&B and had eaten all of the crackers, cheese, and salami. Upon leaving their house I went by 3 more neighbors' to drop of cookies and share Christmas joy!
December 25th--The healthcare industry could care less about your holiday plans. We have to staff caregivers 24/7 to ensure that our residents are taken care of. I remember the days when I worked every holiday and sometimes felt unappreciated when doing so. I wanted my peeps to know I was thinking of them. At 530am I rolled into N. Fred donning my elfie finest. A bag in tow containing fresh baked cookies and Starbucks gift cards. I showed up in time to bless those that had worked overnight as well as the crew that came in at 6am. I came home and opened my gifts. For the first time in my life ALL the gifts under the tree were for me :) My friends blessed me more than I could have imagined! I packed up for my beach trip and made a second visit to N. Fred to see the folks that came in later.The car was loaded up for an overnight stay in Port Aransas. I was on the road by 10am. About halfway there I realized I had forgotten the food I prepared but was oddly confident that I'd find somewhere to dine regardless of the holiday. I checked into the Island Port Hotel and received a room upgrade at no extra charge. I quickly unloaded the car. I could hardly wait to get to the beach!
Per usual, as I rounded the corner and viewed the shoreline, I gasped in awe of the power and beauty it holds. I parked, gathered my phone, selfie-stick, headphones, and made sure my Santa hat and lights were ready to roll. And then I walked for hours. As I did I talked to strangers, high fived fellow Santa hat wearers, collected seashells, wished those that made eye contact a Merry Christmas, took photos for families, threw sticks, and jumped in the water!! Along the way I spoke with Jerry as he worked on his sand castles. They were amazing! He called it his ministry, saying that folks inevitably stop to take pictures, and if the opportunity arises he talks about Jesus Christ.
Just before sunset I wanted to cry for two reasons. I was hungry with no plan in mind and I was SO far away from the car!!!!!! While I walked I decided I'd find a Valero or Stripes and pick up a hot dog that had surely been on the rotisserie all day long. But God! Tucked away between two dunes I saw colored lights and people. It was a restaurant and it was open! I sped to the hotel, freshened up and returned.
Nearly every seat in the hotel restaurant was occupied. I found a 4 top towards the back. The chair was heavy, the table wobbly and sticky. Just after I ordered my shrimp dinner a woman limped in. She had the same dilemma I'd just had. There was nowhere to sit. I asked if she wanted to sit with me. Turns out forgetting my food at home was one of the best mistakes I've ever made.
Janice and I sat there for a couple of hours. We talked about traveling, fishing, family, baking, mushrooms, home ownership, her health, Tucson, Midland-Odessa, Hurricane Katrina, haboobs, cellphones, airports, luggage, the east coast, and Jesus. I couldn't have asked for a more entertaining dinner with a stranger. We hugged one another goodbye as if we were friends of old and I prayed that she'd have a happy, healthy life.
This morning, as I stood on the beach to watch the sunrise, I cried (for the 100th time this month). Whether in company or alone, in Arizona or Texas, with Naysia or without, I am a blessed woman.
This new chapter is going to be an interesting one and I happily welcome it.
