--Saving the Best For Last ~~ --
"Save the best for last." The old cliche crossed my mind as we waited for dessert to be served. Undoubtedly, it would be wonderful; worth the wait.
Tonight was our annual ladies Christmas party, and the evening had been a delight. The meal, preceded by a short program, was followed by a gift exchange.
One by one we stood up to open the present which had been placed on the table before us. Small gifts. Simple gifts. Candles, stationery, bubble bath. Polite applause responded to each.
It was not until this orderly process had made a full circle to the last person remaining that anyone noticed that she didn't have a gift to open...and then everyone noticed at once.
Her name was Dorothy, our older--and newest--member. Having joined us nearly a year ago after moving to the community, this was her first Christmas party.
An awkward silence fell upon those gathered as we waited for someone to think of something--and to think of it quick--to save Dorothy from embarrassment. And then someone did. It was Dorothy.
Standing up, she reached for her purse and removed a brown paper grocery sack. Unfolding it, she looked inside the seemingly empty bag, then looked at us.
"Let me tell you about my gift," she said. "I received love and kindness and friendship from you. For these I am grateful. Thank you."
Dorothy sat down to a roar of applause.
And for the second time, the old cliche crossed my mind. The best again, had indeed been saved for last.~~
~~~~
--Embracing~~-We are like angels with just one wing;
-We fly only by embracing each other. ~~ 
