It seems this happens earlier every year. I start
to think of Christmas. I always hope to make it to at least Thanksgiving
before I having to focus on it. But, the Halloween candy and costumes
have just been put on the store shelves and right in the corner of some
aisle way are the first smidges of the Christmas season.
Of course, I don’t go into stores or malls all
that often, preferring to take advantage of the wonderful world of e-commerce. So, seeing these seasonal and holiday changes isn’t all
that apparent to me anymore. But, this year, October had just fallen
upon us when the Christmas season --- or in the case of this year ---
lack of Christmas season --- came down on top of me.
My schedule keeps me busy and on the road often. I
don’t get a lot of time to spend with friends so I do cherish every
minute I have with them. I work hard to arrange my schedule to coincide
with friends’ schedules so we can spend some time together. It’s not
easy as the rigors and commitments of work, family, and community life make
days and nights hectic and full. Even talking on the phone becomes
impossible --- nobody is ever home. N O B O D Y !!
But, I did luck out a few days ago when I finally
got a hold of Jennifer at work. I told her of my latest exploits and
where and when I was going. For over 25 years we have gotten to getter
in October and it is rare that we don’t get to spend some time
together in the fall. I love spending time with her and her family any
time I can, but, in autumn it seems so much more special. I really
don’t know why that is but I would be willing to bet you have friends
who seem more special at certain times of the year as well.
Jennifer told me that the management of the
newspaper she works for would not be giving Christmas bonuses this year.
It is usually a week’s pay or so and although that may not sound like
a tremendous cash inflow for anyone, it is always very appreciated by
all. This tradition has been going on at the paper for as long as I can
remember. With the economy as it is and ad revenue down at the paper,
cost have to be cut. I guess the paper cut all they could and had to
take this step as well. It probably wasn’t an easy decision for
management to make, almost like parents having to disappoint their
children. I am sure they felt very bad about it.
Anyway, with the loss of ‘expected’ future
income hanging out there for Jennifer and her husband, Brian to take in,
comes the great timing of the unexpected major bill. It seems
their water heater blew out and they had to replace it.
We are all told to have the ‘emergency’ fund
ready to tap at a moments notice. Every financial expert gives the same
advice and it is just common sense. Yet, although all of us probably do
have a couple of bucks tucked away in the cookie jar, it seems like it
never is enough.
Besides, who expects anything like this to happen?
I mean. Do we all sit around the supper table saying, “No kids, I’m
sorry. We can’t go to the movies this weekend and no, the new sneakers
will have to wait. You just never know when the water heater will go on
us - - got to have money put away for that for that.” I can just see
that conversation going on with an eight year old -- never mind your
teenage son or daughter!
Now Jennifer and Brian are doing OK, thank you. I
have no idea of what water heaters cost and I really don’t want any
first hand knowledge. But, this ‘little’ unexpected outlay of cash I
am sure will not put them and their two sons in the poor house.
It is frustrating and a pain all the same, though, and knowing my
friends as I do, I am sure they had a choice conversation or two
about it.
Jennifer is sad about the loss of the Christmas
bonus but she for the most part has a positive outlook. (That comes from
so many years of me as her friend.) She said only in half jest, “Well,
I guess on Christmas Morning we will tie a big bow on the water heater
and stand around it singing Christmas carols.”
I said good-bye to Jennifer and smiled as I looked
forward to seeing her and her family later in October. I just may bring
a Christmas tree with me and a gift or two. And, I do plan on showing up
really grubby and reeking so I get to check out the new hot water heater by taking a
shower.
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