Chip ended the phone conversation with Rob concerning Nancy taking Jimmie Sue’s position at Jerry’s Cafe. They were so thankful and delighted that God answered their prayers so soon. Jimmie Sue grabbed Chip’s hands and agreed that Nancy would be the perfect person to take her position. After an agreement and a solid “Amen”, Chip poured coffee for them as Jimmie Sue begin to talk about the Sunday morning service.
With an excitement in her voice she expressed to Chip how she felt right at home in his Church and couldn’t wait to go back. She shared how this was the Church she could see herself becoming a part of. Not only that, but thought this would be the place where she and Chip could get married. She witness how sincere Pastor Mike and Kate were and how they cared about people.
Chip told her he had been at the Ambassadors for Christ for the last 10 years and how he had grown and matured far past his expectations. I prayed for God to send me to a Church where I could use my talent, and He did not fail me. I started there the same time Rob and Beth started attending. When I stood up at the Pastor’s request for those who were new, Rob and Beth were sitting behind me. Rob tapped me on the shoulder; we introduced ourselves to each other, and the rest is history.
I have developed other relationships there as well, attending special events, attending Bible studies, and joining the baseball team; but Rob and Beth have become family to me. I have been with Rob and Beth through the birth of their little girls and even watched them when they have had to run out and take care of business, like the purchase of their home and other things where they couldn’t take the girls. Jimmie Sue smiled and said “Now I understand how you and the girls have become so attached.” “Yes”, he said, “I became Uncle Chip, and I fell in love with them. That is why they get truly upset when I fail to see them for a while.” “I can’t blame them for that”, Jimmie Sue said, “after all, you are pretty sweet.”
Laughing at her comment, Chip happened to look up at the large brown-rimmed clock on his wall in the living room. “Oh my”, Chip Proclaimed, “Look at the time!” They became so engulfed in their conversation, they didn’t realize how fast the time had passed. It was already 8:30, and they both had busy Mondays. Chip helped her with her coat. He opened the car door on her side, and she slid in still conversing about the perfect day they had. And like usual, he didn’t want to leave her.
After a few sweet kisses, she got out of the car. Chip hurried up and rolled down his window to ask her before she got to her door, if they were going to be able to have dinner together on Monday? “I know things will probably be hectic on your schedule due to training Nancy.”, he said. She waved to him, and said in reply, “I have a hunch Nancy is going to work out beautifully because of her eagerness to dive right in. It is good that she is starting at the beginning of the week, because Mondays and Tuesdays are slower days.” “I believe she will be doing great by dinner time, with my expertise and the Lord’s help.”, she said with a wink.
Chip commented, “All right, I will be just as eager to find out how she works out when I see you at dinner tomorrow.” Jimmie Sue responded with a surprise look, and said, “Mr. Wilson! Did we not pray about this, and say “Amen,it is done.”? We prayed and agreed after we hung up with Rob, that Nancy would be perfect for the position.” “You are right. Forgive me.”, said Chip. With that, he proceeded to back up and pull away from her apartment before she said anything else. He laughed about her abrupt correction and realized how easy it was to forget and how good it is to have a godly woman in his life.
On his way home, Chip was in deep thought as he encountered more traffic than usual for Sunday evening. The Christmas holiday was busier than ever in Tulsa. The traffic was due to the stores extended hours for shopping. Normally they closed on Sunday at 6:00pm, but now it was 10:00 pm. I was relieved I still had a little time yet to shop. In fact, we still had the last week of November and up until 6:00pm on the 24th of December yet.
This still did not leave a lot of time to shop with work, dating, and Jimmie Sue’s schedule; but, perhaps I can manage a day off here and there. I know the malls will be jammed packed elbow to elbow with people on the weekend, but if I can manage to get there early in the day, I can possibly avoid the weekend madness. I have vacation time built up, but I will be using some of those days spending Christmas with my folks.
I wish I could just grab Jimmie Sue and make Monday a shopping day, but it was always the worst day for the car repair business. That didn’t include the holidays, getting customers’ cars ready for a trip to the relative’s home for Christmas. Now that Jimmie Sue will be adding Nancy’s training to the schedule it will take a miracle to find the time we need to make everything work. I really would like her help to pick out gifts for the girls in my life, and I would like to get some ideas of what Jimmie Sue might want for Christmas. My plan also included browsing for her an engagement ring. Not that I would buy it, until later, so I could surprise her by getting on one knee and purposing at Jerry’s were we met. I know I already introduced her as my fiance at church, but I can’t wait to put a ring on her finger.
Yikes! I just became so overwhelmed just thinking about it. I just want to kick myself for letting time get away from me; but for the last few months things had been pretty much out of my control. How am I going to accomplish all of these things, work, and get all that is before me in a proper time without losing my mind?
As these thoughts went through my mind, a thought that wasn’t mine came quickly behind it. The Lord spoke up and said, “My son, did I not see you through all this year’s events perfectly?” “Oh yes, Father, you most certainly did. I know very well you have been ordering my steps in a special way.” I felt like boxing my own ears over the Lord having to correct me. “Did you think I went on vacation, and left the rest up to you, Chip?” “I am so sorry, Lord”, quickly repenting for my sudden lack of trust; I turn all this over to You and thank You for a perfect Christmas. I also ask that You let this be a perfect time to have a little engagement celebration for us while my parents are here.
I thanked the Lord again for His correction. I wanted to allow condemnation for the loss of trust but that would clog my heart and stop my faith. I took a deep breath as I pulled into my driveway and into the garage. I am the one letting my mind race ahead, and I know better than that, because nothing usually goes the way I think it will.
I watched a few minutes of the news and then went to bed. And before drifting off, I gave thanks to the Lord for His perfect timing for the gathering of family and friends for the holidays. Thank you Lord for all you’ve done, and that new song I was able to share this morning, Your Wonderful Love. I drifted off to sleep.
The next morning as usual, I made my coffee and went to the driveway to retrieve my newspaper, but it wasn’t there. About the time I reached the front door to go back into the house, the young man threw the paper and paused for a moment to apologize for the delay. He explained it was due to a flat tire on his bike. I waved him off, and told him, “Things happen.”, and boy, oh boy, do I know about that.
I also know its old fashioned to still be getting the written news with the internet and all, but it’s a tradition, and it always makes me think about my dad growing up. One of the first things my dad did after work was grab the newspaper. He would then position himself in his favorite chair while mom finished preparing dinner. If I talked to him or asked him a question, he would peek out from the open newspaper to address me. I can see myself one day telling my children about the printed page that was thrown in the driveway every morning by a young man on his bike. My children!!! I like the sound of that very much.
Who will they look like? Will they have my olive skin-color and dark hair like mine, with those big green eyes that Jimmie Sue has, or will they have red hair and fair? No matter what they look like, they will be loved and hugged until they squeal like Sarah and Faith. I looked at the time and realized it was time to scoot along, get ready, and get to work.
I pulled my black Honda SUV into my assigned parking space while viewing the cars 8 deep already to get signed up for service. Sighing long and deep, I quickly proceeded into the office and clocked in. I notice the lights were flashing on my phone already with calls. I will get to them as soon as I can; but for now, they would have to wait until I help the crew get the customers taken care of.
Thank the Lord the morning went quite smooth and the mechanics were steady at it until quitting time. I hung up with my last customer to explain what was causing the thump in her tire and told her that the tire had to be replaced, and she was good to go the next morning. Most all the cars just needed tune-ups, oil changes, and various minor things like wiper blades, new tires, and fluid top offs, which went pretty fast. I also made the customers happy when I called them to pick up their cars before we closed. Most were thrilled due to their long lists of things to do for the Christmas. I must say I was happy as well to free up our bays for the next day.
I clocked out and headed to Jerry’s Cafe, and there she was, my green eyed beauty. She headed right toward me with a smile on her face. “My handsome man.”, she said, “Follow me.”. I jested pointing to my chest, “Are you talking to me? I am your handsome man?” Jimmie Sue rolled her big green eyes and said, “I don’t know- maybe I am mistaken!” I laughed as I followed her to the last booth in the back. “Oh… and a secluded place.”, I jested, “Okay, I see what you have on your mind.” Observing the reserved sign on the table, I teased, “Oh… and reserved too!”” Yes”, she said as she squeezed in beside me and planted a sweet kiss on my cheek; while commenting on me being a real tease. Nancy caught them snuggling out of the corner of her eye as she passed by and said, “Hey, no fraternizing you two!” We laughed and Jimmie Sue saluted saying, “Yes, ma’am”. Chip looked at Jimmie Sue and asked, “How is she doing?” Jimmie Sue replied with a brogue. “Like me dad would say just like a chip off the old block”, no pun intended. She has been pretty much on her own through the afternoon.
“I couldn’t be happier. I am thrilled for you, and for me.”, I said, as big smile and a joyful laugh came up! “How was your day me love?”, asked Jimmie Sue as she continued with the Irish Brogue. “I had a great day!”, I replied. “It started out looking like a rough one; but, actually, we didn’t have any major repairs and the mechanics finished them up by the end of the day.” “Well, look at what God can do!”, she said as she elbowed me in the ribs. “Ouch!”, I complained. “What was that for?”, I asked as a smile appeared on my face. “Indeed!”, Jimmie Sue said as she reminded him of his faithless confession the night before. “I know. I repented all the way home. I am so lucky to have a godly woman to keep me in line.” She gave me a kiss right on the lips and said, “I am just as thankful to have you. I am sure there will be days we will have to remind each other.”
Jimmie Sue continued “I am going to eat with you, so let me get our orders down, and I will pick them up when they are done and bring them to the table. What would you like tonight?” I replied, “I will have the special fish and fries and some ice tea.” “Fries?!”, she said with a surprise. “Yes, that sounds good tonight.”, I replied. “Alright then!!”, said Jimmie Sue, “Meanwhile, I am going to help refill the condiments and make sure Nancy is alright. Here is today’s newspaper. You can browse through it while you wait.” “That suits me just fine being that my paper came late this morning, and I didn’t get time to look through it.” She strolled off with our orders returning with my ice tea, while telling me she would return in about a half hour. “No problem! I’ll entertain myself with the newspaper.”, I said.
It was about a half hour when she returned to the table and refilled my ice tea and then went to get our food. She set our orders down and her ice tea and said “Let’s pray and eat. I am so hungry.” We thanked the Lord for the food and for answer to prayers concerning Nancy. We were at liberty to eat and share while Nancy took over, with a promise from Jimmie Sue to help her if she got overwhelmed. I spoke up saying, “I am very impressed that Nancy has taken to the job so smoothly.” “Well prayer works!”, said Jimmie Sue, “Plus, she just bought a new car and has her own apartment. That will make you put your best foot forward.” “Yes, I am sure it has made the differences. If she is as good as a waitress you are, she will be fine.” “Well, thank you very much Chip, but you didn’t see me when I first started. Actually, Jerry’s wife was my salvation. She came in for about two weeks to help me and train me. I shared with you what a mess I was after my dad passed. For the first month I had to make myself put one foot in front of the other to maintain. I told you how Jerry and his wife were so patient and kind to me. It was a miracle I did anything well.” “I can’t imagine, Jimmie Sue, what that felt like, especially with no other relatives to look after you.” “I prayed every night with this stabbing feeling in my heart. I begged Him to just let me come home to Him too. Finally, He spoke to me as if He was in my room. He reminded me of who He is and that He is with me. He said He would never leave me nor forsake me. He assured me that He would take care of me. He told me I was His little girl now. I cried myself to sleep and woke up the next morning a different person. I made my mind up that morning to take each day, one day at a time, and do my best. I started moving with a purpose as God was overseeing my progress.” She looked up when she heard me sniff and saw the tears flowing. “I am so sorry, Jimmie Sue, that you had to go through that.” She gave me a napkin to wipe my tears, and let me know that she was so sad at the time for the loss of her dad. But she wasn’t sorry now, because she realized that her close relationship to her heavenly Father was so invaluable due to her loss. It has made me who I am today and has given me so much stability in my life. It has made me mature far past my age, and for that, I am grateful. I look around at all the girls my age that have not had this wonderful training, and it makes me call on the Lord to use me in whatever way possible in their lives by my testimony.
I realized all of the sudden that buying Christmas gifts and worrying for time paled in the face of a life that needs Jesus. “Thank you, Jimmie Sue, for bearing your heart to me, making me realize again what is important.” She winked and placed her hand under my chin and said “I love you, Chip.” “I love you to and always will.”, I replied. Nancy came by about that time and said “Jimmie Sue, I need your assistance just for a minute, if I could.” “Of course!”, she replied. Jimmie Sue followed her to a table of one of her long standing customers to help her take his order properly. Jimmie Sue laughed out loud saying, “This is my fault. I have utterly spoiled some of my customers. This is Bill T., he calls himself, and I put up with him because he is one of my regulars, and I have adopted him as my uncle. What order did you request today Bill?” “I took the meatloaf special and the extras, you know how I like it?” “Okay, he likes his meatloaf covered in cheese and melted, his mash potatoes dry, white bread with no butter, and plenty of sweet ice tea.” She patted Bill on the shoulder and told him to just remind her and lighten up because she is new. He smiled showing his missing tooth in the front and said, “You know me, I am a hoot?” “Yes, indeed you are! And for her trouble leave a nice tip.” As they walked away, Bill T. shouted, “Don’t forget the cat sup!” “Oh yeah, he drowns his meatloaf and cheese in cat sup!” Nancy blew her bleached blonde bangs off her forehead and said, “Is there more like him?” “Yes, I have a couple that comes in every Wednesday who want their food a special way. I will write it down for you”, she said as she told Nancy the couple’s names. “They are the Fords, and they usually sit in the middle booth if it is available. They always order the fish with mashed potatoes instead of fries, with extra tartar sauce and lemon wedges. They always have a piece of lemon pie and ask for it to be delivered the same time as their meal. If we are out of lemon, they will usually take Apple with ice cream. I will probably think of others who have their special request and will make it known to make it easier for you. And I am sure if they see that I am not here, they will tell you that I was the spoiler, and I am sure they will ask if they can continue their special requests.” “Okay, thank you for the heads up.” With that, Jimmie Sue went back to the table to continue our conversation.
“I am yours again.”, she said as she held my gaze. She went on, “Oh, by the way, I have some news and hope it will work for you.” “All right! I hope you are not telling me you are going to have to work a gazillion hours at the hospital.” “Oh, no, on the contrary I told them I would not be available to work the first week of December until the following Monday. And I told them I also would be cutting my hours back for the Holidays. Since I have been there, I haven’t taken any time off, except for one miserable day with my sinuses.” “Are you kidding me?” “Nope! I am all yours!”, she said with a wink and a kiss. I said “I have died and went to heaven.” as I grabbed her and planted another kiss on her lips. “Nope, not yet! You are very much alive.” she said after experiencing the kiss. “I will get my request in tomorrow for a couple days for that week as well. Just agree in prayer with me that things continue going smooth at the shop so I can get away. This is good news.”, said Chip. “It is better than good.”, Jimmie Sue said. “It is great news! I get some time to breathe and shop for you and your mom and dad, also for Rob and Beth and the girls. And I can’t forget my adopted parents.” Then looking at her like a little puppy wanting attention, I asked ever so sweetly if she would help me pick something for my parents too. “I would love too.”, she said. “Tell me, what colors does your mom like?” “Well, she loves Christmas! She usually dresses the house, table, fireplace, and walls with red, gold, and snowy white. It is elegantly done. She gets raves from all who find themselves in our home for the holidays. By the time the neighbors and friends and local family members come through, it adds up to quite a few praises of how lovely it looks. Mom doesn’t do it for the praise, she just takes pure pleasure in decorating our home. And frankly, I think they come to get some ideas from mom to decorate their homes.”
I continued, “When I was a kid, decorating the Christmas tree was always a big deal for our family. I loved it. Usually, my aunt Bella and Uncle Frank and their two children would spend Christmas with us, and we would all decorate the tree together. My Uncle Frank is my dad’s brother, and talk about two hoots when they are together. Dad would go shopping with Mom and end up buying twenty reindeer antlers to place on everyone’s head that came into the house. So we would all look like a herd of reindeer, buzzing around the house. My dad and Frank would make up as many funny jokes or jesters they could think of to laugh at each other over their silly antlers. But they made it so much fun. My cousins are close to my age, which made Christmas fun to play in the snow, decorate cookies, and enjoy that sweet creamy hot chocolate my mom made. We also would sneak cookies off the platter before dinner, and run before mom could catch us.” “It sounds so divine.”, Jimmie Sue said laughing! “I can see you now. I bet you were a feisty one being the only child.” “No”, I said. “I was a perfect angel.” “Oh brother! I see I am going to have my hands full with you.” “Well, maybe. But you can solve that with hugs and kisses.” Laughing again, she said “I will try to remember that.”
“I am heading home around six o’clock.” she said. I drew her attention to it being that time at the present. “Oh, it is indeed! It is time for Nancy to leave, so set tight while I let her know when I will be in tomorrow.” She went and inquired about how many tables Nancy still had, and told her it was time for her to leave for the day. It turned out that she was waiting on her last customer and Brian said he would take the next table. “That is perfect timing”, Jimmie Sue said. “I need to give you the run down on the schedule. I will be at the hospital tomorrow until 4:00. I usually used to work all week in the evenings, but now I come in Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and here on Saturday, and Sunday mornings. But lately, I have cut my hours a lot, but I will do what I can to make sure you are comfortable to work on your own. I was able to trade days with a girl at the hospital to start training you today, so you tell me what days will work for you. You are welcome to take advantage of all of them. I will see you after 4:00 on Wednesday and Friday and will come in on Saturday; but Sunday I come in around 10:00.” “Okay”, said Nancy, “I will work all those days and even extra hours if needed, but Sunday, I would like off. I hope that is okay? I made it a rule to rest after church on Sunday.” “Works for me.”, Jimmie Sue remarked. “I will inform Jerry. He can schedule Brian and Suszie for a few extra hours. Also if you will let me know, Nancy, when you feel you are comfortable to work on your own, so I don’t push myself so hard. I mean past my limit. Especially, on the days I work in the hospital, that will help me get some much needed rest. I also think Chip may want to see me and plan a date or two”, Jimmie Sue said, laughing out loud. “I am finished with my college classes right now, but it would be swell to rest and get some time with him.” “Well how do you think I am doing, Jimmie Sue?”, asked Nancy. Jimmie Sue replied, “I think you are picking things up quickly, but I probably need to stick with you, especially until after Wednesday. It is family day, and we get a pretty big crowd. The children eat free and I suggested to Jerry to serve the children a dessert of ice cream back when we were trying to draw more customers. It stuck and made people come in, and now several families are regulars.” “I think I will take you up on the help then.”, said Nancy. “Maybe a couple of Wednesday’s until I get the hang of it.” “Alright! Let’s finish up with your last customer, and get out of here.” Jimmie Sue told Jerry they were clocking out after her last customer. She told him she would be in Tuesday afternoon. Jerry told her that he thought there would be no need due to Tuesday being a slow day. “I will have Megan come in and help, and with Susie being here too, I feel things will work out just fine.” “Okay”, said Jimmie Sue, “I will be in after work Wednesday to help Nancy until she gets family night down.” He quickly agreed to that and remarked on how well Nancy was doing. He also was pleased with how she interacted with the customers. “I am happy with her as well”, remarked Jimmie Sue. “She has caught on very fast.” Jimmie Sue waved by to Nancy and shouted to her, “job well done today”, as they headed to their cars. I walked Jimmie Sue to her car, and she informed me that she would be available after 4:00 if I wanted to do something. Jimmie Sue let me know what Jerry said in that Megan would be in to help Nancy. “It will be fine for me not to come in since Tuesday’s are our slow days. Actually Monday’s are also slow and would be ideal for Nancy to go it alone.”
My mind flew into top speed, and I excitingly asked her if she would go with me after work Tuesday. She commented about my enthusiasm and agreed with a laugh. “What are you up to?” I gave her a good night kiss and said “You will see.” “Aren’t you going to even give me a hint”, she said, “I may be up all night trying to figure out what the enthusiasm is about?” “Nope, sorry.”, I said, “It is a surprise.” With that we got into our cars and went our separate ways.
Arriving the next day at work there was another line forming to get their cars in the bay for service. I usually came in at 9:00, but the front crew came in at 8:30. I decided showing up earlier would make the customers happier to be well on their way. I also thought it would be a plus if I could get the cars lined up for repairs. The more organized they were would be best for all of them. I knew I could help get things moving more quickly and hopefully a lot smoother. I even got the idea to pick the guys best, who were the fastest at oil changes, tire changes, and repairs to line up in one section and the others who did the engine checks, alignments, water hoses, and other repairs the fastest in the other side. I had the front end people to line up the cars accordingly with instructions that as soon as the cars were finished, to call the customers to come in and retrieve their cars or trucks. They had drop-off and pick-up services for those who needed it, and I chose Cindy for that job. She was pleasant and use to work in pizza delivery which is why I gave her the job. She knew the city streets and where the customer’s places of business were to pick them up and faster drop-offs. All went well except one vehicle that had a bad engine. We had to tow it at the customer’s request to a well known engine specialist. The crew felt good about the day and commented that the organization of the repairs helped to keep everyone moving. Hopefully the next day would be as smooth.
If I got all the parts in I had ordered for specific repairs, and have everything else well stocked like belts, tires, wipers, and such, it would be smooth sailing. I knew thinking ahead at the Holidays would make for pleasant workers and not crabs. After all, I wasn’t the only one who had shopping and plans to get things done. If I could prevent overtime due to so many repairs, that means everyone could get home, including me, especially tonight. I was going to pick Jimmie Sue up and head straight to the Jewelry Store. I was so excited!
Thank the Lord things went smoothly again today, and I, and the crew clocked out at our normal times. After a quick shower, I called Jimmie Sue and told her I was headed her way. Her heart turned flips as her mind went to the thought of possibly shopping for an engagement ring. I pulled in the drive as she was heading out the front door, and I made my way around to the opposite side to receive her into the car. I leaned down and gave her a kiss and commented how sweet she looked. She got in while observing my quick movements and enthusiasm to get going. I gave her another quick kiss and backed away from her apartment.
“How was your day Chip?”, she asked. “You know things couldn’t have been any smoother again today. We even had a better day than Monday, I think because I put Cindy in charge of drop-offs and pick-ups, and the customers received cars back the same day. We ended up with one car in the bay.”
“I know you are probably hungry Jimmie Sue, but if you can wait for just a little while, we will grab a bite together.” “I am good”, she said. “I had a couple crackers and some cheese around 1:00.” I turned up 71st and headed toward Memorial to the mall. It took all of about 5 minutes to find a parking spot. I opened her car door and took her by the hand.
“Where are we going, Chip?” “Just follow my lead, beautiful; and we will arrive shortly.” We went a short distance when I strolled up to the counter of my choice in Jewelry Stores. Sure enough, there they were, just as she had hoped, and I could hardly wait until the man in his crisp suit approached us. He smiled as he announced to us his name and smiled saying, “Well, I think I can guess what you are looking for with this pretty lady at your side?” Chip smiled back and said, “You got that right?” I looked at Jimmie Sue and said, “I want you to choose the ring you would be proud to wear.” Jimmie Sue couldn’t help to let the tears flow, as she thought, and said out loud, “Is this really happening?” “Yes, Jimmie Sue, and not fastest enough for me, so please make me a happy man and choose the ring you like. I do not want to leave until you find one and do whatever we must do to make it yours.”
She looked at the flashy diamonds glaring in the glass case. She looked up and down the roll of rings that were just amazing with their size – braided, slim elegance to those with wide bands which were lovely but not her style. I watched her as she passed up all the rings I thought for sure she would definitely choose from, but she kept moving down the case. Finally, she stopped as one caught her eye. “This one.”, she said, “I love this style.” As the man reached inside to retrieve it, he asked for her finger. “I believe you wear about a six and half, is that correct?” “Yes, depending on the make of the ring, but usually that is the size I wear.” The jeweler placed it on her finger, and it fit like it was made for her. “Are you sure this is the one you want, Jimmie Sue, because you can pick whatever you like.” “I know, Chip, and they are all beautiful, but they are just not me.” “Okay”, I said, “Do you want to wear it for a minute just in case you decide you want to try something else?” “No, this one with a smooth band appeals to me.” I was amazed and couldn’t believe she was so decisive and how quickly she found what she wanted. The ring was white gold in color with a one-half carat diamond, with a smooth wedding band that went with it.
She smiled at it as she turned it one way and then another way. My heart turned flips to see how happy she was with this simple ring, but I could see that it was elegant on her finger. She reached over, and right in front of the man, held me as tears flowed down her cheeks. The man waited respectfully while she had her moment of jubilee. Finally, she let go of me, and turned to the man with a smile, “Oh, I am sorry, I just needed a minute.” “That is quite alright, this is what makes my job special.”, he replied. I moved toward the register to pay for the ring and to get the receipt and ring case.
I asked Jimmie Sue what she would like to eat for dinner, and she said “This calls for a steak.” I knew right were to go. She was still looking at the ring, and tears begin to well up again in her eyes. We pulled in the parking lot, and she just wanted to snuggle. I kissed the top of her head and lingered until she was ready to proceed to the restaurant.
While we had our dinner, we began to talk about a date to get married. I said, “Why not get married on Christmas?” “Wow! You don’t have enough pressure with work and shopping, you want to get married AT CHRISTMAS?” “It is only a thought. My parents will be here, and it would be perfect to get married at Christmas” “And where would we spend our honeymoon night?”, she said, “Would you send them to a Hotel?” We laughed and I quickly realized that wasn’t the best time to get married.
We moved on to talking about the next few days, how we would manage our time. We wanted to see if Thursday after work would work for her to do some shopping. I wanted to get off a little earlier if things kept moving the way they were at the shop, unless of course car repairs picked up a lot. Jimmie Sue said “Let’s just take each day as it comes, and we can stay in touch to plan some shopping. I will let you know each day how things are going with Nancy and possibly leave for a while.”
Jimmie Sue suggested making a list of the gifts they needed to buy and grocery list to have when my parents came in. “Oh, my, yes, my mom will insist on making some of my favorite Christmas goodies, and we will need to plan for Christmas dinner. I will call mom and dad and see if they would like a ham dinner and what they would like to eat over the Holidays.” Jimmie Sue suggested that on the first week of December, perhaps I could get away in the morning after I got the cars lined up for repairs. Or, I may have to give you my credit card, and you could pick up something for mom and Beth and the girls. I commented about her impeccable taste in clothes and knew she could pick up something wonderful. She agreed to do that and even suggested that she could see if Beth would go with her to pick up the girls’ gifts. “Awesome idea.”, I declared. “You do that and have lunch on me. Maybe she can get them in daycare for a while so you could shop, have lunch, and get to know one another better. But you won’t be able to shop for her, will you?” “Oh, I have my ways. Does your mom like scarfs to wear with her outfits?” “Yes, she does.”, I said, “She sends me pictures all the time of her and dad and friends, and the gals (including mom) have some colorful scarves around their necks.” “Well”, Jimmie Sue said, “I plan on buying all of the girls a colorful scarf to wear. Do you think that would make a nice gift?” “Yes, I love that idea.”, I replied, “If this plan works, it would surely help to avoid some of the madness create by the traffic on weekends trying to shop. I also suggest, I take a long lunch from work and maybe I can pick up dad and Rob a gift.”
I would call Jimmie Sue each day to let her know how it was at the office and if I could leave work. The Lord was working everything out, and we were having fun and not having to deal with hardly any stress. The long lunches worked out. Preparations for meals were made. We also had the baking menu and goodies planned according to mom’s suggestions. “Yum! I can’t wait until they get here.”, Jimmie Sue said.
The gifts were bought and still needed to be wrapped, but I know it will be fun, maybe not pretty with my idea of wrapping, but I am sure I will get some pointers from Jimmie Sue. We bought a tree but we decided to wait for mom and dad to arrive, and then we would decorate it. The next ten days were a blast. Jimmie Sue and I celebrated everyday we could with what our time schedule allowed. Next big event: picking up my parents from the airport. But the weather report was not cooperating…