Yesterday I mentioned that we'd be sharing our table with a very special guest this evening for dinner. That happened. I'm exhausted. It's shortly after 11 p.m. I should be trying to fall asleep, but I'm still elated from our fantastic evening. And, well...we're getting a bad thunderstorm right now and there is no way I can fall asleep until it passes.
About 4 years ago, Carol and I friended each other on Facebook. She's a friend of a trusted friend of ours.
Yes, that makes a big difference because we don't let just anyone into our home.
Over the years, she has responded to my posts, wished me a happy birthday, and always complimented me on my "food porn" photos. Overall, she's been a ray of light and her replies and such have always brought a smile to my face.
On occasion, I've always told her that the door is opened for her if she was ever in our neck of the woods. I love to cook and feed people and Carol is one human who I hoped would take us up on that offer.
A couple of weeks ago, I finished the last of our Bodacious DIY Birdhouses. Two. They were up for grabs. Not available for shipping, but we offered local delivery and pickup was also available.
Carol snagged one of the birdhouses.
I was a bit baffled at first because she lives almost 1 1/2 hours west of us.
However, she edited her reply and said she would make the trip here to pick up her Bodacious DIY Birdhouse.
I was beyond excited.
Shortly after, I reached out to Carol and extended an invitation to dinner. My realm of thought was if she was going to drive all the way here to get her Bodacious DIY Birdhouse, the least we could do was feed her.
By the end of that day, we made plans. Day. Time. What she liked for food. What I would make. I marked the date and time on our kitchen white board.
Over the past couple of days, I reached out to Carol to make sure she was still coming and to finalize a few details.
I'll be the first to admit I was a bit nervous.
Lisa and I are very casual. Our home is comfortable. Our attitude is 'Come As You Are.'
In fact, that was the theme of our wedding back in July of 2012.
Our home is also a judgement free zone.
In other words...
Arrive comfortable.
As you are.
Hungry.
Eat.
And, do not sugarcoat anything.
In our home, we burp out loud, fart, swear, and we don't crack jokes at anyone's expense or point out something that one may be self-conscience about.
The last message Carol sent to me was something along the line of, "Relax. I planned on leaving my tiara at home."
Okay.
You could say that even before we met her in person, we connected.
I made a simple dinner. Homemade pizza. Vegetarian for Carol and myself. Pepperoni, mushroom, and olive for Lisa. A beautiful vegetable platter with my homemade dill dip. Fresh fruit. My chocolate fondue.
Carol arrived with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers and a bottle of wine.
Within minutes, we were chatting as if we had known each other our entire lives. There was no awkward phase or formalities.
We ate. Talked candidly. Laughed.
Our kids adored her. And, Carol did not flinch when Willa jumped onto the table. In fact, we were a little impressed. Normally, Willa is shy around new people, but she took to Carol right away. Kisses and all.
When there was a break in the bad weather, a few hours after Carol arrived, she left for her journey back home.
We sent her home with food and gifts.
On the way home, Carol drove through the bad storm that we're getting now. It took her a bit longer to get home, but she's safe and sound.
Before I tucked Lisa and the kids into bed, we talked for a bit.
Lisa said, "I think we have a new friend..."
I agreed.
Carol is one of those humans who radiate positive light. She's our kind of people. Carol is genuine, simple, candid, generous, has a big heart, and we are so blessed that our paths crossed.
The door will always be opened for Carol and there will always be a place for her at our table.
No comments:
Post a Comment