Sunday, December 21, 2008

A Gift Can Come in All Shapes and Sizes.

This is not my Deep Thoughts post, but it is moderately deep.

On Friday I was doing a little Christmas shopping. I was standing in line, waiting to pay for my purchases when a couple got in line behind me.

"Let's quit shopping," he said. "Let's do something else. Let's go for a ride in the mountains," he suggested hopefully.

That sounds nice, I thought to myself. Spending the day together, riding in the mountains. But before I could even complete the thought she turned on him.

"Christmas is next week," she snarled. "If I could get some help in getting ready for Christmas maybe we could." I was thrown by the venom and hatred in her voice. She continued to berate him for a good minute or so, outlining all that SHE had done to get ready for Christmas and all that he had NOT done.

I don't know this couple. I never even really looked at their faces. I don't know what their lives are like. I just heard this guy, obviously wanting to spend some time with his wife. Away from all the hustle and bustle. And she, all she could focus on was what had to be done and all the sacrifices she made. My heart broke for that guy just a little bit. And my heart broke for her, too. That she couldn't see the gift that was right in front of her.

I am trying to stop and see the gifts in front of me, too.

23 comments:

Fannie said...

It's tough tough, this balancing act of making "it" happen and still enjoying "it".

Lisa @ Boondock Ramblings said...

I agree that the women obviously didn't know what she had or that Christmas is not all about the gifts. What a sad conversation. Reminds me of when I was in Wal-Mart yesterday and a woman said to her daughter (who was in the midst of a fit) "I hope someone kidnaps you."

Merry Stinkin' Christmas, Eh?

Laura said...

Oh shit...I didn't realize my husband and I were talking so loudly!!!!

ok, so serioulsy....yeah...if you see that guy, can you get me his number??? I sure could use some alone time...and at this point, I will take ANY husband that wants to be with me!!!!!

Laurel said...

What a great post and a great reminder about what is really important which is the people we are doing all of "this" for.

Just the other day I listened to a psycologist talking about the differences between men and women. I found it interesting that she said that men tend to see what is there, what is in front of them, and women tend to see what is missing. I couldn't help but think of that when I heard about this couple.

It's funny how the differences that should compliment one another drive us crazy.

Esme said...

Such a good point, Madame! I'm going through a bit of this myself, right now -- not seeing what's in front of me because I'm so focused on what I'm missing (or what I'm having to juggle all by myself). Thank you... I needed to read this...

HalfAsstic.com said...

I know them too, I bet everyone knows someone just like them at one time or another and I think they live in us all a bit too.
Here's hoping we can rid ourselves of these two for the coming new year!
Merry Christmas!

for a different kind of girl said...

What a great, in the moment reminder that we really should do just that - live in the moment! I am so guilty of forgetting that, especially when I'm running around the house and then heading to work around people who are rushing to get things done. Thanks for posting this.

Burgh Baby said...

I wish I had no idea how people can get into that sort of discussion, but Mr. Husband and I do all the time. I'm a spur-of-the-moment-worry-later kind of girl and will just randomly go do something fun, but he's the grownup we-have-crap-to-do-and-don't-have time sort of guy. I guess we balance each other, but I can't help but think he's missing out on quite a bit.

Dysd Housewife said...

I too have noticed alot of "barky" things this holiday, often aimed at children. It makes me sad. And it also makes me hug my kids a little more often. :)

Debbie said...

This is a great post and I am glad I saved it to read. Yes, we all need to see what is right in front of us.

Anonymous said...

Dear God, what was that woman thinking?? If my husband said that to me, I would have dropped everything in my hands and ran out the door! Haha!

MQ - I miss you, and am making a pledge to visit your blog (as well as my other blogging friends) more often in the new year. I am tired of being too busy to read my beloved blogs!!

I hope that you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!!

Wineplz said...

Unfortunately this sounds a little bit like us...because I cannot ever stop worrying about things, or getting frustrated when it seems that I'm stuck with the lion's share of parenting, cooking, cleaning, etc. when he seems to oblivious to it. But I need to remember all the extra work he does is for us...all four of us...not just him. And that it's not fun for him to struggle with the heavy workload then have a nagging wife at home. Thanks for the reminder.

And I hope you had a very Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Here I am. Visiting again. Staying faithful to my vow.

calicobebop said...

Wow, that's a pretty awful conversation to overhear during the Christmas season. Sometimes the "Christmas Spirit" isn't very Christmasy at all.

Hope you had a wonderful Holiday! Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

I don't know if you feel like you've seen your gifts yet or not, but I think just the fact that you're trying to see them counts for everything.

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