This year we went with a mini tree as it was the only one that would fit in our overly furnished family room. So, we all got to choose our favorite 10-15 ornaments to decorate the tree with this year. It was interesting to see what was picked: Jared went for size-the size being big. Claire went for pretty of course. Carter was pretty random, picking faves for all different reasons. Allen and I picked ones our kids made or ones with our kids pictures on them.This tree trimming reminded me of a story I like to tell (stealing from Lori): The Christmas of Allen's second year of dental school. He was ending his hardest semester of his schooling. He was still hoping to make it to orthodontic school, so he wasn't just studying, he was studying hard. To make it into orthodontic school he had to be in the top 5-8% of his class, which meant he didn't just have to get A's, he had to get high A's. He would come home from school at 5, eat a quick meal, study, go to a study group, come home and study some more. So, when we looked at our week, we really couldn't see how we were going to get a tree up. The time just didn't seem to be there. And this made me sad. I was use to having him unavailable, and I supported his study habits, but I was sad. And really wanted a tree. So, I said I would go get one by myself, which no one should have to do. I went to Home Depot, found a cheap tree, put it on a flat bed, and struggled to push it to the checkout counter. As I was making my way, a man passed me and said (I will never forget), "oh, you're getting a tree all by yourself? how sad". "I know" I thought as I fought back the tears while I paid for my tree.
4 comments:
i never heard that story before - thanks for posting.
btw, i think that guy was hitting on you.
I never heard that "sad" story before. ): You right, no one should pick out a tree by themselves. On the bright side, I sure liked all the pretty bright lights on your darling new tree of this year. The kids looked very pleased with it! I need to come see it in person.
I had never heard this story either. And I have to admit I thought this was going to be a charming little story about how Allen surprised you with a tree or something...but the guy was right, that was sad. Now you need to post a happy story about a tree and Allen like when he put your engagement ring in an ornament on a mini-tree :)
OK, another comment here. Lisa, I was thinking the same thing as I read the story: "there's going to be this 'happy' ending." I envisioned that man helping Julie load the tree onto her car and telling her what a great wife she was to understand. I also like your idea of a happy Christmas story. :)
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