"Enjoy everything." That is how my friend ended her letter to us disclosing her husband's illness. Everything can change in an instant.
"Enjoy everything" are the words I thought of as John and I brought out the Christmas decorations and all the hoopla that went with them. You see, I am not one of those people who loves the Christmas season. John thinks I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. I do not. I just am not sunny by nature and tend toward melancholy. But "enjoy everything" resonated with me.
Was I enjoying polishing the silver platters my mother-in law left to me? Not really, but I thought about how much pleasure I get from seeing these beauties shine with use. My mother-in-law left me some beautiful things--things that she loved but from which she never derived pleasure. They were always safely locked away for special occasions.
I began to think. I leave my things within easy reach and use them all the time. I enjoy them! What a concept.
Am I enjoying the fact that our son is not coming home for Christmas for the second year in a row? Of course not. This just might be the first Christmas Eve in forty years of marriage that John and I are going to be alone.I plan to buy some good smoked salmon and my favorite French Champagne. I'll cook a nice dinner while playing some Christmas Elvis in the background. And I will enjoy the evening.
There are many things in my life that I wish were different; but they're not. But I do know this. I will remember the reason for this season and enjoy the present good health of my family, the laughter of my friends, the warmth of the fireplace and the bounty of food from my kitchen.
Every day I will try to fulfill my friend's wish for me, enjoy everything, because everything can change in an instant.
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This is a wonderful heartfelt post and your friend is exactly right. Although it is hard to achieve this on a daily basis when faced with the grind we should try to enjoy things more. I really hope that you do enjoy all of Christmas and I am heartened to hear that you will be listening to Christmas Elvis too. Christmas Eve isn't Christmas Eve without Elvis. x
ReplyDeleteKATH: After all, what is Christmas without a little Elvis? And when John is not around, I sneak in some Johnny Mathis.
ReplyDeleteI understand that disorder, Michele--when I catered, the holidays were something I just had to Get Through. We recently had a health scare in our household, but Bill's biopsy came back, with a good report. Enjoy Everything is a wonderful mantra--through the holidays, and going forward. all best to you and yours--Nancy
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nancy. With Bill's good news, I hope you can relax a bit and enjoy everything.
ReplyDeleteAll one can do is take it one moment at a time.
ReplyDeleteTRACY: How true. I will try to be present in the moment.
ReplyDeleteMichele, I feel like I just got to know you in this one post. And I really like who you are.
ReplyDeleteNICOLE: Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteLovely post; and relevant to us all.
ReplyDeleteThrough My Kitchen Window--Very true. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
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