Papaw was so lonely.
We lost Mamaw (Mrs. Sweetie’s mom) in March 2009 one day before Papaw’s 79th birthday.
We worried about him a lot over the next few months because he was on the ranch all alone.
No one to call if he got his truck stuck in the mud or if the tractor broke down in the field.
No one to have dinner (at noon) and supper (at 6:00) ready when he came in.
No partner for the regular game nights or trips in the motor home.
And then he started going out to eat once in awhile with a long-time friend of the family. Elsie had lost her husband a couple of months before Mamaw’s passing.
We were so glad he had someone’s company to enjoy.
Fast forward a few months to our 2010 family Thanksgiving gathering at Papaw’s house.
It was Black Friday and there was a wedding. I was the preacher. Papaw and Elsie had decided that at 80 and 81, they wanted to spend their remaining years together as husband and wife.
Since the wedding happened the day after Thanksgiving, we joked that Black Friday was easier to remember as an anniversary than the actual date.
They almost made it to 10 Black Fridays before Papaw passed in September 2020.
Those 10 years were not just precious for them; Elsie was a gift to the whole family.
Her soft-spoken graciousness and humor made their home a place of warm welcome.
Actually “warm” was literally true. That tiny woman wore a sweater in the summer! And it was usually red and sparkly. She was a jewel in every way.
Her personality and great cooking kept those of us who were more warm-blooded coming back—even if we had to shed some clothes and sit in front of a fan!
They had sold the ranch and moved into a retirement/assisted living community in February 2020, just a month before the Covid shutdown. As usual, Papaw’s timing was wise.
For just over a year, Elsie stayed in the same little apartment with her widowed daughter-in-law as her roommate.
As the 11th Black Friday approached, it became apparent that she needed more care, so she relocated to a nursing home.
We all knew that, at 92, it wouldn’t be a lengthy stay.
On Christmas Eve, in the middle of the afternoon, she relocated once more. This time to heaven. She celebrated the birthday of Jesus actually in the presence of Jesus.
It gives “I’ll be home for Christmas” a much deeper meaning.
For the past 11 years, at least for me, Black Friday has been a celebration of the gift of Elsie.
I imagine it will always be so.
As we begin a new year, I’m excited about the opportunities before us. This year will be amazing and will include unexpected blessings.
It is also true that—just like almost every year—someone we love will depart this life in the year ahead.
That’s a good reminder to make the most of our moments together this year.
To see every encounter as part of God’s amazing gift of life.
To say, “I love you” often.
To avoid saying words we will regret and say “I’m sorry” quickly when we don’t avoid saying regrettable words.
To be the blessing and encouragement we want to receive.
Be amazing today, my friend.
