A Christmas Intermission

Back in the kitchen, as I noted earlier (in the hopes of lifting my spirits), I managed to make another three pounds of fudge - two of which were gift boxed for JD to take to work - and another pound of roasted nut bark for us.

Somewhere in the midst of the stirring, pouring and packaging - came a knock at the door. Much to my surprise, there stood the man from FedEx with a package from Hawaii that I had been told would be coming. Nestled inside this incredibly hard cardboard packaging were three loaves of Hawaiian sweet bread straight from the island bakery - one of which was so fresh, it was definitely going to have to sit a day or two before I would even be able to slice into it. This is just one of those gifts for which one can never truly express enough gratitude. I remember a similar gift back in 2005 when JD's great Aunt S. sent us a case of Cheerwine. It's not an incredibly exceptional beverage but it was a cola that I absolutely love and it just couldn't be found anywhere (at that time) without making a trip to North Carolina. The same holds true now this year with this incredible gift of sweet bread. I have a recipe and I could surely make my own but (without a single doubt) it would never taste the same as it does coming straight from the island, itself.

I'd like to take a moment, if I may, to reflect on a friendship that means more than the world to me. One couldn't ask for a better friend than Miss VB. I never got the opportunity to meet her face-to-face when we were PCS'd at Pearl Harbor but through the Submarine Wives Club, we've managed to create this incredible friendship despite the distance between us. Back in November of 2008, she FINALLY married that sailor of hers, The Chief. Shortly following his retirement (I believe it was), she unselfishly opened her home to her ailing father-in-law to whom she became sole caregiver. In addition to tending his health needs, she also found herself having to tend all matters regarding finance and legalities for him with little (if any) to no help from outside sources. After his health further declined, she and her new husband eventually had to lay him to rest once he found his home with Jesus - the arrangements for which, she also became burdened - but through it all, she held herself together and selflessly poured herself into the task she knew she had to tend. In addition to all this, add in the regular throes of life, her two beagle fur babies (who are both incredibly adorable and rambunctious) and everyday chores ... all before she even celebrated her one year wedding anniversary. She had told me that she and the Chief were going to spend a quiet holiday season ALONE without going all out of sorts this year. She had no plans (even) to send greeting cards for Christmas. Now, I can't say that I blame her in the least, folks. She certainly deserves some down time after the year she had just gone through ... and to think ... that through it all ... she thought of our family and took the time away from her own quiet holiday time to send us this incredible gift? Friendship just doesn't get any better than that, people! God's precious gift of friendship found in this incredible woman brings a smile to my face daily. (And I hope you don't mind, Miss V, that I snagged my favorite photo of you from FB, so I can show the world who you are.)

Shortly following the arrival of that incredible package, I called my sister with Christmas greetings and to let her know that the package she had sent for Miss Ma'am had arrived the day before. She insisted that Miss Ma'am open her gifts from Aunt D right then. Even though she really wasn't feeling well, Miss Ma'am held no qualms with this and gladly obliged.

Trying to be happy to open a gift a day early.


She managed a little bit of a smile when she opened the copper key chain that was twisted into her name.

The biggest smile she could muster over the homemade hat and scarf. Earlier in the winter season, she had requested a rainbow scarf. She didn't want something that was multicolored but wanted it to actually look like she was wearing a rainbow around her neck. I knew there was no way I would find something like this, so when Aunt D. offered to crochet her one, I was quite tickled as was Miss Ma'am, especially when she saw the hat.

Admiring the "twin" charm/locket bracelets to be shared with BFF. She really has missed BFF this holiday who's been on an extended vacation, and is looking forward to her return so they can take a Christmas photo to put in the bracelets.

It's turned out to be a great day despite my emotional stumble earlier and we're all looking forward to a wonderful Christmas.

This is USS Retired signing off ...