So it was not enough that my sweet niece, her husband and son came to the Little Bayou House and made my whole Christmas a lot brighter, they had to outdo themselves by returning. Well, Eva, their son and a family friend came. Erik was not able to be here in person as he works on a riverboat but with the magic of technology, he was able to be in on a huge surprise. And, WOW! What a surprise! I am at a loss for words to describe the feelings going on inside of me right now.
If you recall, it is a big part of my Christmas to make a special batch of cookies for Erik. With his sweet nature, he has always bragged on the cookies so it was only natural that I bake for him. When they came to retrieve his annual gift of baked goods, I offhandedly mentioned that my arthritis was acting up and I would have to wait before baking any more of that type. The dough is particularly difficult to get to come together with just a small hand mixer. Out of pure sweetness, this family opted to gift me an amazing stand mixer! It is so beautiful and big and powerful that I am almost intimidated to try it. Son promised that tomorrow, he will get me over my uncertainty and help me figure out this new gadget. "In no time, you will be using it with ease." he assured me. I hope so...I hope so. For now, it sits on the counter and I admire its beauty. Will I actually learn to use it and churn out some wondrous treats worthy of such a machine?
While receiving such a gift is phenomenal, what is truly mind-boggling is the love behind it. Erik and Eva care about me and the discomfort I am having. They sincerely care. It is beyond heartwarming. Several times this evening, the love and kindness shown has caused me well up with tears. I am so very blessed...so very blessed.
Tonight...it is cold! The temperatures have taken a dive to below freezing. While that does not seem like much to a lot of folks, down here in the Deep South...it is COLD! We feel it. Even with heaters and fireplaces going, there is a chill about the Little Bayou House. Maybe the old house has some drafts. Maybe Mother Nature is feeling playful and is giving us an early dose of winter. Maybe it is age catching up with me. Maybe all three.
As soon as November rolls around, there is one thing that has been of top priority for the past few years. November is the time to pull my "special" blanket out of the cedar chest. My sweet niece, Eva, made a lovely throw blanket as a gift for me. It is double ply with warm fleece on one side and thick, soft Sherpa fleece on the other. Trust me...this thing is warm! The small blanket has seen me through several winters already and I am sure to use it for years to come. (That is, if I can keep my son-in-law from sneaking it out of the house! He loves it as much as I do!)
Not only is the blanket, itself, warm, the thought behind it is. What warms the heart, touches the soul. Ms. Eva is talented, beautiful and graceful. She has a pure heart and gives without expecting anything in return. I am often inspired by her amazing spirit and pure love. Yep, I am blessed to have such a sweet niece. Heartwarming thoughts on this bitterly cold night.
