Wow! December IS Here!

Ready or not, December is HERE!  And this year, we decorated earlier than usual for Christmas, but I need to qualify WHY. Our grandkids and daughter came up to visit us for about a week before the middle of last month (November). Because at that point we didn’t know if we’d all be together for Thanksgiving, the kiddos wanted to decorate our Christmas tree before they went back to their winter location in FL. SO, our Christmas tree has been UP since mid-November. I did wait until after Thanksgiving to add the other decorating Christmas touches around the house. At least we are enjoying the Christmas tree for a longer period of time this year.

I trust you enjoy this month, and remember to focus on Jesus because He is the reason for this season and every season.

You can pick up on our story from last month with the conclusion of ABE. You won’t want to miss the changes in Bryan’s life, so read on.

“We’ll miss you at the ‘old salt mines,” the president said. “Now you can play all the golf you want. Have a good retirement, and stay healthy.”

Bryan sat in a daze at the center table dreading this day. This place was his life. Now it was over. He got up and shook hands with all his friends and colleagues who had taken time to come to his retirement luncheon. They slowly drifted out of the room. He picked up his gifts and looked around the empty room as Julie said good-bye to others. Bryan saw ABE leaning against the conference room wall but wished ABE would smile at him.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

You’d better go find you something to do because you just can’t sit around here all day doing nothing.” Julie was right. She always was.

“What can I do?”

“There’s plenty to do out there. Maybe you can work with kids or something. You can still drive, can’t you?”

“Of course.”

“Well, get out there and look for something. I’m tired of you moping around the house.”

A short while later Bryan pulled out into busy traffic and headed south on Main Street. Work with kids, he thought. No thanks. He passed a pizza shop with a help wanted sign in the window. Maybe a part-time job. No. I don’t want to get back into the work grind. There must be something. He passed the hospital. A sign caught his attention. Drivers Needed For Meals On Wheels.

Bryan pulled into the parking lot and found an empty parking spot. “Come on ABE, we’re going to deliver meals.” Bryan walked up to the front desk. “I saw your sign out front for drivers.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Bryan dropped off the last meal at Mrs. Allen’s house. She was quite a character. Nine-two years old and still had a keen wit. “Thank you so much young man. If they’d let me drive, I’d go shopping myself. But I don’t see good enough to drive.” He smiled and then waved good-bye when he walked out the front door.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“For ten years of service we want to honor Bryan Edwards for his faithful service to Meals on Wheels. We wish we could persuade him to stay another ten years.”

Bryan smiled as he heard the applause and waved his hand to the handful of fellow workers gathered. He smiled at Julie sitting next to him. Every time I get something going, it seems like it’s time for it to end. Bryan looked for ABE but didn’t see him and wondered if he was finally gone. Just when Bryan turned to leave, he saw ABE near the door. Bryan smiled because he knew he would miss seeing him if ABE left now.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“That shortness of breath is just your heart giving out Mr. Edwards.”

“That’s not what I want to hear, Doc.”

“Well, you are getting up there you know. That’s just what getting old means. I’ll write you a prescription that should help. Take one tablet with each meal. I wouldn’t drive any more. It’s too dangerous. You could pass out.”

Bryan looked at ABE as if the doctor had pulled the plug on him. “Don’t you feel bad for me, ABE?” Bryan asked once the doctor left. “I wish you’d change your look just once,” he told ABE.

ABE just stared his usual uncommitted stare.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“The doctor said no more driving.” Julie mustered up the most sympathetic look she could.

“No more living.”

“Oh, it’s not that bad. We’ll get along just fine. It’s just another adjustment. You’re good at making adjustments, aren’t you?”

“You’re right. Just another adjustment,” Bryan managed a weak smile.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Bryan awoke and looked around. That’s right. I had a little problem breathing, and they brought me to the hospital. Looking up at the heart monitor, the little blips were flashing regularly. Guess I’m still alive. He looked around the room, but it was empty except for ABE.

“Well, ABE, you staying with me to the end? That’s nice. Are you my guardian angel? They say we all have an angel who stays with us from birth to death. You’ve been with me through my whole lifetime—well, at least since that car accident. You’re not going to say anything to me?”

ABE leaned forward, and Bryan watched as ABE stood and slowly walked toward him.

“You here to take me home?” Bryan managed to say, surprised at ABE as he never took any action toward him before.

“No, I’m not your guardian angel. You and I were given a special privilege. Who you have been has determined who I will someday be. My name is Albert. Albert Bryan Edwards, or as you call me ABE. I will be your great, great-grandson.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

THE END