A light snow had begun to fall. With determined consternation, Edith stepped into the hallway of her small but comfortable home. She hadn’t missed Sunday morning church in many years — except that once — and she didn’t intend to start now. It might take her a bit longer to make the walk in this weather, but she would do so.
Grabbing her old overcoat, not exactly trendy or fashionable, but sturdy and in good condition, she pulled it on and buttoned it. She took her hat from the hall table and looked in the mirror over it as she pinned it to hold it in place before slipping on her gloves. The reflection wasn’t as young as it once was, but she counted her blessings; she was still healthy, vibrant and independent.
A knock on the door next to her startled her. Oh dear, she thought, I hope no one needs something at this hour. It would deter her at least, possibly sidetrack her completely. She opened the door.
The young man standing there smiled broadly. Handsome and bright-eyed, his peacoat completely fastened and accented with a navy-blue scarf, he didn’t appear to be stressed or in need. “Good morning, Mrs. Talbot. I’ve been sent to see that you get to church safely.”
She cocked her head and eyed him curiously. Who…? Probably Mavis, she reasoned. The woman, retired but many years younger than herself, had taken to looking out for her. She headed several outreaches at the church.
“It’s slippery out here.” The young man said. “It wouldn’t be good if you slipped on the sidewalk on the way.”
With a curt nod, she stepped outside, turned and locked the door. “Thank you, young man.”
Another bright smile. “My pleasure, ma’am.”
Even knowing it might be foolish, for some reason, she felt she could trust him. Taking the arm he offered, she allowed him to guide her, get her settled in the back seat of the compact vehicle, before circling around to the driver’s seat and pulling out of the driveway. “Do you attend our church?”
He nodded without taking his eyes from the road in front. “Every week.”
It pleased her that he seemed careful to proceed with caution. So many of the young people these days drove almost recklessly. “I don’t recall seeing you before. Are you a recent addition?”
“Oh no.” He replied. “I usually serve behind the scenes.”
“Ah.” She said, grateful that the drive wasn’t long. She hardly knew how to converse with the kids today.
Pulling up in front, he stopped.
Edith was surprised he hadn’t simply parked as she went to open the door.
“Oh wait!” He insisted hurriedly. “I’ll get that.”
His manners pleased her and she waited, letting him help her out and see her to the door. She went for her purse.
Placing a hand on hers, he announced. “It’s been taken care of, ma’am.”
“At least let me do something.” She insisted.
“Not necessary.” He assured. “The bill has been paid in full – and then some.”
Edith smiled. “Thank you, young man. I hope to see you again sometime. You’ve been very kind.”
“I suspect you will.” He patted her hand before turning to go.
She stood only a moment and watched him as he drove away. Then she turned to go in; she would have to find Mavis and thank her. Unable to spot her, she took a seat midway from the front and settled in, puzzled when she didn’t see her pastor on the front row. She didn’t remember an announcement that they’d be having a guest.
The mix of worshipful and traditional carols was pleasant and engaging. Edith focused her attention when the associate pastor rose and made his way to the platform. Unusual, she thought, that there would be no announcements. Maybe it was the day for the children’s program; she didn’t remember that announcement either. It troubled her. She knew her wits were solid, or so she had thought.
The answer came to set her mind temporarily at ease. His expression sober, the pastor cleared his throat and swallowed hard. “I trust you all received either the email or text message this week.”
Murmuring among the crowd.
Edith just looked ahead. She had never seen a need to enter the digital age. Old school and from a passing age maybe, but used to things a certain way, she saw no need to change. Only on rare occasions like this did she feel she may have missed out. Still, he was about to fill her in on what she needed to know so she dismissed the thought.
“For those of you who might not know,” he began, fidgeting uncomfortably. “Our beloved pastor, Sean MacGregor passed away this week.”
Edith’s eyes widened slightly. Pastor MacGregor had been at the church longer than she had. He’d married her and her beloved Herbert, gone now himself these ten years. He was more than a pastor; he was a friend. Even knowing where he’d gone, she felt the absence. At her age, there were so few of her friends and neighbors left.
The weather had cleared by the time the service finished. Edith usually enjoyed the walk, but today, in the brisk air, she noticed how much her old neighborhood had changed; something she didn’t usually pay much attention to but seemed to feel today.
By the time she arrived home, her energy had begun to flag. Removing her coat, she carefully pulled her hat pin and placed her topper on the table next to her gloves. Carefully hanging her dress in the closet, she peeled her stockings off, smoothed them and placed them in the drawer.
She didn’t expect anyone today, so she put on a warm house dress and slippers, then settled in front of the television with a bowl of soup and some crackers. Flipping through the channels, she found an old, black and white Christmas movie. Just the thing, she thought.
Awaking with a start, she realized she must have dozed off; not unusual on Sunday or other afternoons when she had nowhere she needed to go. She realized the playful sounds of children outside had roused her. From her chair by the window, she could see them throwing snowballs in the yard across the street, laughing as they dodged around the snow man they had built.
She sighed. They were new to the neighborhood, she realized and she didn’t know any of them by name. Reaching for the bible from her side table, she opened it and read before laying a hand on the open pages, closing her eyes to lift her face to heaven.
“Lord,” she said softly. “I know, if I’m still here that there’s more for me to do so I’m here as a handmaiden of yours. I miss my Herbert, my friends and I’m anxious to be with you. Help me. I’ve begun to grow tired of this life.”
One of the highlights of the week for Edith was her trip to the grocery store. It wasn’t the trip, the shopping or the store; there always seemed to be someone she could be a blessing to any time she went. She particularly liked to dawdle in the baby aisle. If she didn’t find anyone there, most of the time there was an adorable little one to fuss over.
Today, she happened upon a young woman alone. Wondering where the child could be she approached cautiously, realizing how silly a woman her age must look since she clearly would not have a small child.
With only a basket, instead of a cart, she had a bag of diapers and a couple of cans of formula. It sat on the floor at her feet as she stared into her wallet, then looked at the ceiling, clearly calculating. Her expression wistful and tentative, she picked up the basket and without seeming to notice Edith, headed for the checkout.
As a woman alone, her needs simple, Edith had already finished picking out her items, so she followed casually, delighted with the line the young woman chose. It was Adam’s lane. Edith knew Adam well; she always checked out in his line.
With only a couple of items, the young woman’s order was quickly totaled. She rummaged in her wallet, clearly embarrassed but trying to hide it.
Adam waited patiently, looked behind her and smiled when he saw Edith. Reading her signs, he nodded almost imperceptibly. He put a hand on the woman’s forearm. “It’s all right, ma’am. You can take your items. You’re all set.”
Confused, she frowned. “What? But…”
“It’s been taken care of.”
She looked around.
Edith moved around her cart and spoke quietly. “Young lady, Jesus loves you and he cares about your life.”
“But…”
“If you don’t already know him, reach out to him. He’s waiting and he’ll answer.”
Her eyes filled and she looked from Edith to Adam and back at the bag.
Adam was quick to pick it up and hand it to her.
Flustered, she reached out and squeezed Edith’s shoulder. “Thank you.” Then looked at Adam. “Thank you both. You have no idea what this means. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, dear.” Edith replied with a smile. “Think about what I said.”
“I will.” She nodded firmly. “I definitely will.”
“You’re really something, Mrs. T.” Adam said cheerfully as he processed her order. “You always manage to find someone…”
“All you have to do is look around.” She said. “People who need God are everywhere.”
“Sometimes I think it’s the reason you come.”
“Oh dear, but it is.” She said mischievously.
He finished putting her bags in the cart. “Do you need help out?”
“No, honey.” She assured. “I’ve got it.”
Adam nodded and stepped back. “All right then. Merry Christmas, Mrs. T.”
“And to you.” She made her way out of the store and took a seat on a bench beside the swishing electronic doors. It would be a little bit of time before the city bus came and she could get home.
The doors sounded as they opened and a single person exited.
Glancing casually, Edith recognized him as the young man who’d picked her up for church just a few days before. Not knowing him, she hesitated to speak.
He seemed to notice her almost immediately and smiled. “Hello, Mrs. Talbot.”
“Hello, young man.” Her tone warm, she didn’t want to appear too familiar.
“On your way home?”
“Yes. The bus will be along any minute.”
“I have my car. Can I give you a lift?”
Oh, what a break, she thought. “That would be lovely. Are you sure you wouldn’t mind?”
“Not at all.” He replied kindly, stepping toward her and gathering her bags. “Let me help you.”
“Thank you.” She stood and turned the cart. “Let me just put the cart back.”
With an approving nod, he waited for her to rejoin him. “All right. Ready?”
“Yes.” She answered and noticed he slowed his pace so she could step carefully but still keep up.
Despite all her efforts, he had refused to allow her to give him anything, even a cup of hot tea but simply helped her to the door with her bags and bid her good afternoon.
Once her groceries were put away, not quite as tired as she would have been if she’d taken the bus, she sat by her window and opened her bible. She prayed for the kind young man, for the soul of the young lady in the store and for Adam. It had been a good day.
When Christmas morning came, Edith opened the lovely basket the ladies from church had sent. She knew she had Mavis to thank for that and would be sure to write some thank you notes the following day.
Mavis knew how much she like a cup of English breakfast tea, along with some honeyed biscuits, a treat she allowed herself on Christmas and New Year’s mornings. There were other delicious delicacies in the basket too and she chose a couple small ones to go with her breakfast.
As she sat beside her window, she noticed how pretty the fresh blanket of overnight snow had made the ground on the yards in the neighborhood, not likely to last long. The neighborhood kids would likely be out with new toys from under their trees.
Edith smiled at the thought. It was such a joy to have children around at Christmas, a blessing she and Herbert had never been able to attain. Instead, they’d given themselves to bringing joy to others during the holidays. Her life with him had been such a wonderful adventure, they hadn’t dwelt on what they didn’t have.
When she finished her breakfast, she put on a nice dress and combed her hair neatly. Pulling on her overcoat and pinning on her hat, she had called for a ride to the nursing home. She always visited her old friend, Rosalind, particularly on Christmas, since Herbert had passed and her friend had no family.
It had been increasingly difficult in the last several years, as her friend had developed Alzheimer’s and often didn’t recognize her. Still, she steeled herself and waited for the car to arrive.
She was grateful that the man driving the car didn’t seem resentful at having to work on the holiday, but she tipped generously anyway. Carefully navigating the sidewalk into the center, she took a deep breath.
“Well, Mrs. Talbot.” It was the young man who’d been so kind to ferry her around.
Her face showed her surprise. “Hello. Do you have family here?”
“Not exactly.” He replied and then leaned over conspiratorially. “I do some of my best work here.”
“Ah.” She grinned. He must be part of the hospital visitation staff from church. “I’m here to see my friend, Rosalind.”
A knowing nod.
“Do you happen to know what kind of day she’s having?”
“I’d say it’s a good day.” He replied.
Edith perked up.
“Go ahead, Edith.” He said quietly. “She’s been waiting for you.”
How did he…? She wondered but didn’t ask. There was no telling how long Rosalind would be aware and she didn’t want to miss it.
Rosalind stared out the window from the high-backed, wing chair, her face only visible in silhouette. In a dressing gown, her upper body was covered with a sweater draped over her shoulders, her lower half by a warm blanket.
For a moment, Edith thought perhaps she had missed the rare lucid moments. She hesitated but then summoned a cheerful demeanor. “Merry Christmas, Rosalind!”
Her friend turned toward her and smiled. “Merry Christmas, Edith.”
Sighing almost visibly, she pulled a nearby chair up next to her friend, concerned at how she looked. Edith couldn’t ever remember her friend looking so fragile and pale. Placing the poinsettia plant she’d brought on the windowsill, she pretended not to notice and sat. “How are you?”
Reaching over, Rosalind laid a hand over Edith’s, that were folded in her lap and patted cordially.
Taking it in her own, she rubbed it affectionately. It seemed so cold.
“Edith,” Rosalind began quietly. “You’ve been such a dear, dear friend.”
“As have you.” She replied, settling her friend’s hand between her own.
“I want you to do something for me.”
“Of course. What do you need?”
Taking her hand back, she lifted her eyes to gaze into the other woman’s. “I want you to tell me again.”
“Tell you again?” Edith puzzled. “What?”
“About Jesus.” Her voice came soft, hardly audible. “I want you to tell me about Jesus.”
A spark of hope filled Edith’s heart. She had known Rosalind since they were girls and they’d been friends, despite their differing beliefs. Keeping her in prayer, she had tried to share the depth of her faith with her friend, but the hints and glimpses had fallen on deaf ears. Could it be? Finally? After all this time? “What do you want to know?”
“Everything.”
“Well, after man fell in the garden, he was separated from the life of God and all his blessings.” She smiled. “But God had a plan even before man fell. Jesus had agreed to pay for the sin of mankind.”
“Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why did God do that? Why didn’t he just write off his ungrateful creation and start over?”
“Because God so loved the world.” She continued. “That he gave his only begotten son so that whoever would believe wouldn’t die in their sin but have eternal life.”
She grinned.
“The very first Christmas.” Rosalind appeared to be thinking.
Edith felt pleased that she hadn’t shut her down yet; something she had frequently done when she’d tried to share her faith. “So Jesus came. He lived a sinless life.”
“Why did they kill him?”
Shaking her head now, she corrected. “They didn’t kill him. He laid his life down.”
A frown. “I don’t understand. Why? Why would he do that?”
“The bible tells us it was for the joy set before him.”
“Joy?”
“Yes. The joy of restoring God’s creation to fellowship with him. For all who would believe.”
“Believe what? Doesn’t everyone believe that Jesus died and rose again?”
“In a way, I guess, many acknowledge it but that isn’t enough.”
“What then?”
“The scriptures tell us if you confess with your mouth Jesus as lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you would be saved.”
“Saved from what?”
“Whatever you need saving from.” She went on. “Starting with eternal damnation.”
Rosalind nodded. “I’ve always believed in God.”
“It has to be more than that, Roz. It has to be personal. You have to make Jesus your lord.”
“How do you do that?”
Edith held her enthusiasm in check, her hopes high. “You renounce sin and ask him.”
“That’s it?” She stared soberly. “It’s that simple?”
“It’s really that simple — once you decide to believe.”
She nodded.
“We could pray now. Would you like that?”
Rosalind barely hesitated. “Yes, I think I would.”
Reaching for her hands, she bowed her head, encouraged when her friend did the same. She led her in prayer and then squeezed her hand, fully convinced of the change when she could see the joy in the woman’s countenance. There couldn’t have been a better gift.
“Thank you.” Rosalind said.
“You’re my best friend in the whole world. I couldn’t imagine eternity without you.”
Smiling, her eyes took on the glassy stare that predicated a loss of cognizance. She stared at the window as she exhaled softly and her chin sank to her chest.
Edith reached for the call button that hung around her neck.
The attendant came almost immediately. Checking her breathing and looking for a pulse, she turned to the visitor. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Talbot. She’s gone.”
The older woman just stared for a moment. What the young man had said when she arrived came to mind. ‘She’s been waiting for you.” Could it be? She wondered. Had God set the whole thing up so he could rescue her friend before it was too late?
By the time she arrived home, it was growing dark. Slipping out of her clothes and into a cozy flannel nightgown, she decided on some warm milk and crackers before turning in. She set the mug and tea plate on a tray between her chair and the television.
Turning from the TV, her eyes fell on the collection of photos on the mantelpiece. Moving closer, a twinge of melancholy fluttered in her mind. She wasn’t given to such musings but there were the best of her memories on display. Her beloved Herbert. Pastor Sean with the two of them on their wedding day along with a photo of Rosalind, her maid of honor. There was a picture of her with Rosalind in the secretarial pool before either of them was married. Edith sighed. With her passing, the last of her closest friends were gone.
She took the remote, sat in her chair and perused the menu. Delighted when she found a showing of It’s a Wonderful Life on the old movie channel, she settled in to watch. She loved the old movies and Jimmy Stewart was a particular favorite.
Surprised she’d made it to the end of the show, she enjoyed the warm, fuzzy feeling it always brought. “You know,” she murmured softly. “Lord, I know we aren’t promised to see angels, but I think I should like to see one. I know they’re busy, but it would be lovely, I suspect.”
When it announced that Bells of St. Mary’s would show next, she debated whether to try to stay awake for it. They showed the oldies so rarely anymore. She decided to make the attempt.
She didn’t realize she’d fallen asleep until there came a soft pressure on her shoulder. Eyes fluttering open, she came fully awake when she noticed the figure standing beside her.
The young man who’d been conspicuously crossing her path recently said. “Come, Edith. It’s time to go.”
What? Go where? Had she made a grave error in judgement? Had he had an ulterior motive all the time? It was then she felt it; a lightness, no a life flowing through her. Awed, she lifted her eyes.
He’d begun to glow, seemingly from the inside. There appeared past him a wall of light. His street clothes disappeared and his garments became bright white. He smiled, reaching for her hand.
She took it and felt nearly giddy as she rose without effort. “Am I…?’
“Yes.” He replied, starting for the light.
Oh my, she thought. She’d seen an angel without even knowing it and she was reminded of the verse that spoke of entertaining angels unaware. He’d helped her get where she needed to go and now, he was helping her to get where she’d always longed to go.
She’d be with all those she loved for Christmas which now included Rosalind. No gift could have been better than that.
Lisa Greco Filali 