Wreaths and Red bows

Preparation for Christmas has begun, lights and red bows decorate doors in welcoming attire. I have made two attempts to bring wreaths to the grave sites on two separate occasions, both of these efforts failed due to my lack of directional skills and unavailability of an in car map quest, gps system...hint here for Christmas gift, family. My last trip was to my husbands grave. Without any problem the wreath was placed upon the headstone and its red bow waved thank you gently in the December air. Walking back toward my car a woman approached me with sincere compliments on the seasonal appearance. In no time at all we shared our stories hugged and parted.Suddenly it occurred to me that my previous attempts were no accident and it was meant for me to give this woman a wreath for her husbands grave. Why do we cling to those now passed and inadvertently manage to over look the pain and bereavement of the living who stand right before us?

Doreen and I continued to share our losses as we walked together to her husbands grave site. Once there I was introduced to her brother and mother.Doreen was quite specific telling me how she wanted the wreath placed and I went to work. Her brother looked astonished at our interaction and asked if we knew each other? No. I replied while continuing to string the wreath according to Doreen's wishes. Doreen supplied more detail of our meeting and bonding of widowhood to her brother easing his appearance of dismay.

This incident was heart warming. Two women met as strangers and parted as friends. I glanced upon my husbands grave fully decorated and smiled for the first time. I knew that he approved of this sharing moment between strangers.

Something larger than a wreath and a bow was shared between strangers. Something kind and loving and deeply spiritual took place. Hugs and waves followed me as I drove away and I know the spirit of Christmas was found in a most unexpected way.