There is a place I love to go to see Christmas decorations. It's just one little house, a visual and auditory assault of all that is tacky and garish about the season. Tiny little magnetic ice skaters, Snoopy in a Santa suit, huge inflatables, trains, handmade dioramas and cases of thematic wonder, and loud holiday music coming from every corner. A retired couple, bundled against the cold, hands out candy canes and talks sweetly to the children that lean over the fence.
The lady told me her decorations are stored in closets and under beds and hanging from the rafters in the garage. That she loves bumping into them throughout the year. They are like the children, full of joy and wonder and just so happy to be taking part in the season. They start my holiday. They are not there this year. There is just a sign. "Happy Holidays. Thank you for the memories Jon"
So I think that little old retired lady is in that house all buy herself, with no one to celebrate the holiday with. She is milling around there, bumping into those happy memories and he is gone. If I were her I think I would be to sad to put them out this year too. I don't know what she will do next year, burn them, move away, put them out, who knows. Just thinking about it makes my heart ache for her.
I would like to say that I am the type of woman to honor a memory once the one I loved has gone, but I think that kind of pain is to much for me. That look they had last year, so cheeky and cute, its just so wrong to think that it is over. That she is sad and he is gone.
Oh oh oh. That is so sad. If you can, you should go over to her house (with you lil girl even) and hang out with her for a bit. She's probably lonely.
ReplyDeleteThis story breaks my heart.