December 22, 2014
My Instead: I gave a framed photo of a nature scene to my less-than-happy
client for a Christmas present.
I have a widower client for whom I’ve been cleaning since March.
From what I’m told by him and my aunt who lives across the street, he had a
wonderful wife. She is gone now and he is alone, sad and a bit angry. The last
time I worked for him, he made it perfectly clear that he’s never been into Christmas…ever.
I was somewhat surprised, hoping that he had just become this way since his
wife’s passing in July of 2013. It was difficult for me to imagine someone
NEVER being into Christmas!
When I arrived at his house, I handed him his Christmas from me as
he sat in his chair. He asked “What’s this?” I told him it’s a little something
for him for Christmas. As he removed the wrapping, I commented that I hoped this
photo could be his “nature fix” when he couldn't make it to his property by the Kaskaskia River. He looked at the photo and admired it. He uttered his quiet “thank
you” and started reminiscing about his land. I knew he missed it when he couldn't get out there to walk his Doberman and enjoy the fresh air on a regular basis.
I sat and talked with him a while about a job that he wants me to
do regarding painting his living room. I offered my advice about the color and
perhaps selecting his new couch before he chooses a paint color. If he needed
anymore help, I offered to go with him to make his selection. After our little
chat, I did my usual chores in his home.
When I finally finished my duties, he paid me with a little bit
extra for my Christmas gift which I did not expect from him. I was grateful and
gave him a hug to wish him a wonderful holiday. We talked a little bit more
(longer than usual) about his estrangement with his only child and his holiday
plans. Then I left him alone with his dog Torri. As I drove away, I thought
about the emptiness in his life and hoped that in a small way I had filled a tiny
corner of his world.
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