The Joy of the Unexpected

I know, I know, it was wrong to tease and to hint about this most amazing of gifts I received. And then not to post for several days! But then, the Christmas activity kicked into 5th gear. My son came home from college and the girls are officially on their winter holiday.

To explain this gift, we have to suspend all adult disbelief and selfishness and open our hearts up to the unexpected. I've come to know this family through working with youth, through their daughters and through our church. I've told Carol that I'd be happy to travel with her anywhere after she was the GREATEST of help and most fun of companions on a recent all girl trip (a recipe for possible drama and mayhem. Nowhere in sight on this trip!) and Kevin is a brother to me most assuredly (and he has a heart for working with hurting kids. and he cooks. Good cooking!). Their daughters are always good for the best hugs. Something this mom needs at times after a difficult day with my own teen and tween.

Last Thursday evening, our youth group was having their Christmas party when Kevin hands me a box and tells me to open it right then. He wants to see my reaction. I'm sure it's something silly since we all share a lot of goofy laughs, so I'm game and open it.

Oh. My. Gosh. I'm almost blinded by the sparkle! The box is full of vintage costume jewelry! Rhinestones, pendants, earrings, pins, a cameo, bracelets, necklaces; the box is full of a vintage, artsy lovers dream.

Understand that I could wax eloquent and never fully explain what a perfectly perfect and unexpected gift this was. They know my heart and my heart nearly burst with joy. I don't know whether to wear it all or play with it all! How to properly thank them and Momma Anderson, the original owner of the jewelry, I'll never know.
People can surprise us and they take joy in doing so. I had been so very caught up in the 'doing' of Christmas that I didn't expect to be given to in a such a wonderful way. I can now remember what it feels like to be a child on Christmas morning and find that Santa brought me something that, even in my endless circling of the Sears Wish Book, could not have expected and could not have been more perfect for me. The best gift of all though, is this family, not their jewelry; that they are a part of my family's life.

Merry Christmas to all!