God bless us, everyone

On Saturday a few friends and I gathered up a handful of the Christmas cards we'd made in our Bible study and walked up the long driveway to Country Lane Estates. While walking we discussed the Christmas carols we'd sing and what we'd say. We dressed festively, me in green the other girls in red. I imgined we were like a sprig of holly.

Once we got through the gate that was "to keep them in, not us out," as Sarah said, we stood around awkwardly, not sure where we were supposed to go in. It looked just like a house, not a hospital or clinic like I thought. After further inspection, I was pretty sure we were in the right place because I saw a white head of thinning hair through the window. And once I walked around the corner and saw another just like it, I knew we were there.

Finally locating the doorbell, we met the lady who worked there and were ushered in to meet the five ladies who lived in the care home. All of us were full of smiles and even though we'd never met these women before, I felt connected to them. Maybe it was the spirit of Christmas, or maybe it was how welcome they made us feel. I felt myself choking up when I saw how happy they were to have visitors. And honestly, I felt just as happy to be there.

We handed out the song books and those of them that could, sang along with us. We asked for requests, and one lady, Connie, suggested one after another. I was surprised at how good we sounded, but I also knew I couldn't take credit for any of that. They applauded after each carol ended and after singing four or five, we took the opportunity to give them the Christmas cards.

I think if we had handed them each a one hundred dollar bill, they wouldn't have been any happier than they were with the cards. As they looked them over, cooing over how lovely they were, they were even more impressed to hear that we had made them, thanks to all of Vanessa's scrapbooking supplies.

Alisha led us in one more carol and then it was time to go. We talked for a few moments then took each of their wrinkled hands and wished them a Merry Christmas. As we were leaving, we were peppered with invitations to come back and visit anytime.

And then it hit me...

I think I will.