It's 2 weeks before Christmas. I'm overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done in spite of careful planning, list making and scheduling. in spite of being determined to pace myself and remember to enjoy my lovely people I let myself get caught up in the busy-ness of the pre-Christmas squishing too many events into too little time.
So to make matters worse I decided that it would be a good idea to clean the cupboard under the stairs. The one that has been holding all the crap that didn't have a place to belong when we moved in 5 years ago. Its where we stored the Christmas tree last January. Behind the massage table I no longer practice with and the over-sized suitcase from last May when we cruised to Alaska. There were also 4 floor fans, an accordion case, and a leather counter stool to squeeze past. After I pulled everything out and into the narrow hall, I cautiously ventured forward carefully ducking under the steps wary to not bang my head. There were several boxes of unknown content in my way. I wondered what on earth was important enough to pack and haul around and then forget about for 5 1/2 years. So I opened them. Candle sticks, canning jars, picture frames, cider bottles, and then paydirt! I found a box filled with 24 year old treasures. When I pulled off the cardboard lid I was staring at a dinosaur themed romper, osh kosh b'gosh overall shorts, green corduroy booties, a little pink pig stuffie and a rocking horse music box. It was my baby boy's baby stuff.
I grunted my way out of the dark dusty space on my hands and knees dragging the box out with me and then cradled it up 3 flights of stairs and gently set it on my bed. I had no idea where I was going to put it but now that we are on the edge of being empty nesters, now that our son is making plans to leave, all of a sudden that box of memories needs to be closer to me. Within reach.
The Christmas tree is still under the stairs beside a drum set and a giant gold Ikea star. I'm not sure how long it will remain there. We decided to get a tiny pre-lit tree from Walmart that will sit on the shelf. That way we'll have more room for the special people in our lives who are coming to spend Christmas with us.
Maybe in a year or 2 Peter will need a 6 foot tree in a home of his own. I'll pull it out then.
See you next Tuesday!
