Scenes from a simple and beautiful last lunch provided by my mother, in Cape Town, just last week.
In South Africa we say Happy Christmas, in the States, it is merry. For us, this year, it is neither, and for millions of others, too, it is not a happy time, even as we are frogmarched with the crowds down the lighted way of ho, ho, ho.
That's OK.
So I shan't wish it for you. What I shall wish is that you find a place at the table, any table, when you need one.
I wish hospitality and generosity and costless acts of consideration. I wish a smile upon the stranger on the street and a door opened for someone you do not know. I wish a look in the mirror, a recognition of what is there and the courage and resolve to be kinder than it is easy to be.
And if the dearly departed cat were here, he'd roll his eyes at me and say, Yos weesh the people a merry forgheen' Chreestmas, OK? OK!
Fine. Merry forgheen' Christmas, then.
[Footnote: The sun just came out. I can see blue sky.]
I will simply wish you peace at the end of this very difficult time for you.
ReplyDeleteIt's ok Estorbo. We get the message and saying it differently sends it deeper into the soul. Glad you made it home safe and sound Marie.
ReplyDeleteMerry, happy Christmas Marie. The windows are open, the sun is bursting through, the light is getting longer each day. Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteOh you just made my day. Merry forgheen' Christmas is such an acceptable wish! I can live with that!
ReplyDeleteIt is my Christmas wish that peace be with you always. And I, like you, always want to be kinder than it is easier to be. Storbie is around you during this difficult time. Wishing you blue skies as well.
ReplyDeleteWell said, from beginning to end. xxx
ReplyDeleteSheesh, laughing and tearing up at the same time. Perfectly said, by you and Estorbo. I wouldn't be so sure he is not there, rather pleased with how much he is missed--although probably not surprised. Mary
ReplyDeleteLovely.
ReplyDeleteYup. If you look closely, you will see him with the eyes of your heart.
ReplyDeleteYou said it beautifully Marie and a Merry forgehen' Christmas to the Wooman and the Smoothman
ReplyDeleteStorbie, as usual, was succinct. Hugs to both of you.
ReplyDeleteMerry forgheen' Christmas, belatedly. It looked delicious. And I so wish you had been in Constantia when we were there. I would love to have peeked into your mother's garden.
ReplyDeleteWarming and heartfelt, smiles and tears prickling. Amen and sweet purrs :)
ReplyDelete