Christmas Eve Eve. So many directions I needed to run today, but I found myself doing a work errand with my husband. That was two hours of quality time that we would not have had otherwise. As we said our goodbyes and I dropped him back at his store, my head trying to manage my time and list… I decided, since I would be out of pocket for my friend, “Bernice” at the nursing center, for a couple of days, I would run by Panera Bread and surprise her with her favorite soup and bread. But not before running into the grocery store next door and buying a cupcake for Lenora, who reminded me last week that today was her birthday. And that she loved chocolate. Smile. As I stood in the back of the line at Panera, glancing at the clock and scrolling through my phone, I heard a little voice, “Ma’am. Ma’am.” I continued to scroll and then the little voice became a bit louder. “MA’AM!” I turned around to see a little blond headed girl, maybe three or four years old, leaning over the booth with her hand extended towards me. “This is for you! Merry Christmas!” I glanced at her parents on either side, then I reached out to the little hand, still reaching towards mine, and took the tiny little candy cane in my hand. I thanked her and wished her a Merry Christmas.
As my day continued, I didn’t get half of my to do’s done. There will be no cowboy cookies traveling in our car tomorrow. No strawberry cake. The “wrapped” with care gifts are mostly stuffed bags. But that’s okay. The little one with the beautiful smile reminded me what it’s really all about. It’s not the wrapping or the gift. It’s the joy from the heart that makes the difference.
Bless the child. Bless her parents. Merry Christmas!
stuff i tell my sister 
A mini you in the making, I believe. Precious. Hugs ❤
I learned much from this little one today♡ hugs ♡
Beautiful and so true; where would any of us be without the children??!?! Praying for safe travels for you and yours, my friend, as well as a blessed Christmas for all (especially those twin baby girls). Oh, and ended up giving away the “Amazing Grace” cuff (she cried!) too!! Love ya!
Well bless your heart….you are so kind hearted. I will try to make another in the near future. Merry Christmas! You have much to be thankful for, friend! ♡♡♡
Merry Christmas! ❤
Diana xo
Merry Christmas, my dear! ♥
Tonight I’m babysitting “Duke”, our 2 yr old grandson, as his parents celebrate his daddy’s birthday and he’s already asleep. Tears came to my eyes as I read your blog, as this year once again I didn’t get everything done and no baking, so far. However we had our family Christmas last weekend and… It was the best ever, topped off with Papa reading the Christmas story and explaining the reason for the season. May you and yours be truly blessed this Christmas season. Love you friend, Shannon
Awwww, Shannon. If I ever get everything done, that means I’ve missed the real stuff along the way. God sends us little angels in all shapes and sizes, to remind us of what is truly important. How blessed you are to be with little Duke tonight. Merry Christmas, friend. So, so happy to know you! Hugs ♥
A timely reminder delivered in the most beautiful way. Have a very Merry Christmas Paula, peace and light to your beautiful family, and Godspeed in your travels. Much love….xoxoxo
A little child shall lead them… Love you, Rhonda. Merry Christmas ♡
A beautiful candy cane kinda lesson. 🙂 To giving out love and blessings on this holiday.
Amen! ♡♡♡
That is what Christmas is all about, such a sweet little girl. Merry Christmas!!
She was a doll. And persistent! Haha! Merry Christmas!