Of the many phrases and comments my dad left with me, one always brings a smile. We were together one Christmas, out with the girls, shopping for Christmas presents. As the day passed, we exhausted ourselves with multiple stores, hot chocolates, and lunch. By mid-afternoon, we, especially the girls, were collectively approaching the end of our limits, mentally and physically. Dad and I were looking for one remaining item. The catch, we needed to figure out where to find it. As one empty store after another passed, when asked, his reply was, “Just one more store”. By the third or fourth store, it became a joke for everyone. The laughter in the back seat and front still echoes in my heart.
Difficulty never lasts as long as I think it will. Pain, angst, and even anger ease and eventually fade into the background when they are in the presence of love, beauty, and empathy. In the moment, the emotions and thoughts can be overwhelming! One does not think s/he will survive. It is impossible to carry on, yet somehow, someway, one does. The laughter in hearing “Just one more store” takes the edge off and fills what remains with hope. It is an echo of the relief one lives in hope for; “It won’t be long now, he’s on the way; he’ll show up most any minute.” (Hebrews 10.37)
Journeys change when shared with others. I love the memory of that afternoon. I close my eyes and see the smiles, twinkling eyes, and tired emotions on the faces of three individuals close to my heart. The memory changes how I see the day ahead of me. It impacts my view of myself and how I respond to the moment I am in.
In living, we find and embrace life’s greatest gifts. I do not remember if we found what we were looking for. I know it does not matter. This is a minor footnote in the story we share. I have come to treasure the gift of love, kindness, and care shared between us.
