The Ingathering

Last year about this time Marsha and I were out shopping for a grandmother and four of her grandchildren that were in need. This was for one of the wonderful outreach opportunities at The Church of the Resurrection. It is amazing the sheer volume of food and presents that will be accumulated at the church by Thursday night in order to begin their journey to the needy recipients. Today I was shopping. I couldn't afford to take a whole family the way we did last year, but I knew I had to take a needy individual. Shopping is done. I think I have everything I need. Wrapping comes next.

I have been getting Christmas cards from friends, especially from back home in Massachusetts. Many of them have little notes of comfort and point out that this might be a hard season for me. Some of the authors have gone through this season of life already and know of what they speak. As I was shopping today the experience was filled with that mixture of emotions common to my life since Marsha died. A joy in every selection thinking it might please someone who needs to be able to smile on Christmas. It was also a reminder of our trip to the same stores last year to fill the needs of that family. Marsha always got such a great pleasure from giving. Her heart was in it completely. It was a day of feeling connected again and a day to remember what I miss. I'm glad the joy of giving was stronger today than the sadness of not being able to do it with Marsha. She'd be happy about that too.