A Bit of Serendipity
1/01/10
On the Friday before Christmas I was in the waiting room of my audiologist when a very nice looking older man said to me, “That’s a very nice camel hair suit you have on.” I was quite taken aback and replied, “Not very many people recognize camel hair in Texas.” With that simple statement we began to make idle conversation and when it came to the topic of Christmas he said his family was coming and I said I would be alone. With that we were both ushered into our respective rooms.
When I was finished and sitting in my car, he also was leaving and tapped on the window. “You are not going to spend Christmas Day alone. Here is my name and telephone number. You are invited to be with us. Give me your name and number and we will be in touch.” I was flabbergasted and didn’t know what to say. “Thank you very much. I’m very touched that you would issue an invitation to an absolute stranger.” With that we both drove away.
Driving home, a ten mile ride, I thought about his invitation. I was sure he wouldn’t call and I knew I couldn’t call him, but I had such a wonderful fuzzy feeling: a spontaneous invitation from a chance conversation so one wouldn’t be alone on Christmas. It was mystifying and so extraordinary.
Early on Sunday morning I answered the telephone to a very cheerful friendly voice. “This is Barbara Bumbalo, and Ed and I would like to take you to lunch so that you get to know us before Christmas.” “I’m so sorry,” I said, “but I’m attending a Christmas Gospel Program.” She continued, “No matter, we’ll pick you up and get you back in plenty of time for the program.” Again, I was speechless.
On Christmas Day Ed picked me up early, and when I entered his house the fireplace was crackling and everyone of his family stood to greet me; from Wyoming, daughter Brenda and her husband Ed with their daughter Mara; I immediately felt the warmness -- my youngest granddaughter’s name is Mara. Next from Denver was Brett, his wife Robin, and their three daughters, Jessica, Katrina, and Shayne, reminding me of my three daughters. What a coincidence! Each one gave me a hug with a most friendly Merry Christmas.
It was a memorable day. A family day. And they had included a stranger with warmth and amiability. But this stranger didn’t feel strange. Instead she was not only welcomed, she was included in the family. It was so magical. Mara to remind me of my granddaughter. Three sisters just like my girls. And Barb in the kitchen preparing the turkey. One table for the girls and another for the rest of us, even with name tags.
Before sitting down we encircled the large table and held hands while Brett said the blessing. This was the time for me to thank them for their kindness and say to Ed and Barb how grateful I was that they would share this very special family day with me.
(Note written at the request of Joan Larkin)
On the Friday before Christmas I was in the waiting room of my audiologist when a very nice looking older man said to me, “That’s a very nice camel hair suit you have on.” I was quite taken aback and replied, “Not very many people recognize camel hair in Texas.” With that simple statement we began to make idle conversation and when it came to the topic of Christmas he said his family was coming and I said I would be alone. With that we were both ushered into our respective rooms.
When I was finished and sitting in my car, he also was leaving and tapped on the window. “You are not going to spend Christmas Day alone. Here is my name and telephone number. You are invited to be with us. Give me your name and number and we will be in touch.” I was flabbergasted and didn’t know what to say. “Thank you very much. I’m very touched that you would issue an invitation to an absolute stranger.” With that we both drove away.
Driving home, a ten mile ride, I thought about his invitation. I was sure he wouldn’t call and I knew I couldn’t call him, but I had such a wonderful fuzzy feeling: a spontaneous invitation from a chance conversation so one wouldn’t be alone on Christmas. It was mystifying and so extraordinary.
Early on Sunday morning I answered the telephone to a very cheerful friendly voice. “This is Barbara Bumbalo, and Ed and I would like to take you to lunch so that you get to know us before Christmas.” “I’m so sorry,” I said, “but I’m attending a Christmas Gospel Program.” She continued, “No matter, we’ll pick you up and get you back in plenty of time for the program.” Again, I was speechless.
On Christmas Day Ed picked me up early, and when I entered his house the fireplace was crackling and everyone of his family stood to greet me; from Wyoming, daughter Brenda and her husband Ed with their daughter Mara; I immediately felt the warmness -- my youngest granddaughter’s name is Mara. Next from Denver was Brett, his wife Robin, and their three daughters, Jessica, Katrina, and Shayne, reminding me of my three daughters. What a coincidence! Each one gave me a hug with a most friendly Merry Christmas.
It was a memorable day. A family day. And they had included a stranger with warmth and amiability. But this stranger didn’t feel strange. Instead she was not only welcomed, she was included in the family. It was so magical. Mara to remind me of my granddaughter. Three sisters just like my girls. And Barb in the kitchen preparing the turkey. One table for the girls and another for the rest of us, even with name tags.
Before sitting down we encircled the large table and held hands while Brett said the blessing. This was the time for me to thank them for their kindness and say to Ed and Barb how grateful I was that they would share this very special family day with me.
(Note written at the request of Joan Larkin)