I had planned on posting last night. I had an evening activity to attend.
I thought I would return home and
write about moving our evergreen into the living room
meshing memories of past years into my story. I thought
I might share the story of the year the tree fell, fully decorated and I was left
holding it while Roger headed to the store to buy a new tree stand.
I would write about stringing the white lights. I might have wrote we worked as a team, Roger going one way and I go another. The story would continue as I described the laughter that occured when we figured out we are working against one another; Me, finally retiring to a chair to supervise and asking for more.
The final string is on the tree, we stand back to survey the work, checking for clumps
and holes (I see a big hole, don't you?), wondering if we need to head to the nearest store to purchase one more string or if maybe just tweaking here and there will do the trick.
I would have told you we placed St. Nicholas on the top
of the tree just in time for the Feast of St Nicholas and how
he has topped our tree for more than two decades watching over
our Christmas celebrations.
But alas I did not have the opportunity to write last night.
I met with my Christ Care group to put together food gifts for a
Christmas boutique to aid the St. Francis House, a mission that serves
those who are underserved.
We worked, shared and had a great time putting together beautiful containers filled with
mixes that could be turned into a meal, a beverage or a sweet treat.
The three hours passed quickly. When the last bottle was capped
and bow tied it was time to clean up and leave.
Everyone left. I hung back to walk out with my friend. She turned out all the lights.
I turned to make sure the kitchen door locked behind us. She walked in front,
I followed chatting about this and that. As she turned I stepped off what I thought was the last step.
My friend screamed my name, but it was too late, I was falling. Thankfully I was holding
onto the rail. I fell first on my knee putting out my hand to catch my fall. I was falling down an incline and unable to stop the forward motion my face finally slid down the pavement.
She was scared...I was embarrassed and hurting. I lay there for a moment face down.
Finally I reached up to feel my face. My hand hurt, my lower lip was numb and there was blood. I thought possibly I would need to go to the hospital for stitches. My friend began trying to call the others back to help. I sat up with no trouble and told her I thought I was okay. There was a little blood, a bump forming on the forehead, but no broken bones.
Needless to say when I finally made it home I was in no mood to
take out the computer and write about stringing Christmas lights.
I instead wanted to survey the damage, find the ice packs,
and apply the neosporin.
My friend checked on me last evening and tonight. And as I told her,
I have a couple of scuff marks on my face
along with a little bump. I lost a bit of skin on my hand
and my knees and I am feeling a bit humbled.
Also, I am blessed there are no broken bones or teeth and that I had a caring
and attentive friend who cared for me.
Moral of the story?
Watch out for the bottom step it plays hide and seek in the dark and you
might find yourself sliding face first down the cement.
Seriously friends, all is well that ends well.
Be careful out there friends.
Sorry, no time to edit...
Roger brought home more lights. I must go supervise.
