Moving to a new town in April 2020, there was only one couple I knew. Miss Firecracker and her amazing husband, Bailey’s and Cream. Their love of this wide place on a dusty little road was enough for me. Few other’s opinions would’ve convinced me their town was better. It was a huge leap of faith to move to Winterpast 17 days after VST’s untimely death. Alone, I came in faith.
Faith is defined as having a strong belief in God based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof. In this use of the word apprehension, I refer to “understanding or grasp”. It’s belief that everything will turn out as planned, even when you have no proof that it will. Sometimes, you need to Let Go and Let God. Although every bit of common sense said I shouldn’t move to this little town, faith guided me towards the support and love of Miss Firecracker and Bailey’s and Cream. When I first arrived, Covid had terrified the world, so there were no waiting hugs and welcome baskets. It was too dangerous to risk. And so, the best hug of all came from the four walls of Winterpast and, of course, my four-legged bestie, Oliver.
Oliver has seen a lot. He understands everything, accepting his place in life as a very lucky dog. His biggest wish in life is to be part of the pack. He understands his job as watchdog. He keeps me safe from marauding hawks, toads, and vermin. He warns me of dreaded walkers and falling fruit. Oliver works for food and hugs. A wonderful trade. Oliver’s my cherished family member.
I spent a good part of 2020 on a personal journey through widowhood. Never, did I ever…… So many ways I could end that thought. The most profound way is this. Never, did I ever experience such deep loneliness and need for other humans. Never, did I ever realize how important it is to have family to turn to. Never, did I ever so deeply appreciate the bonds of friendship.
In early August 2020, Miss Firecracker lost her Bailey’s and Cream to cancer. And then, there we were. Two instead of four. Half rather than whole. It was she, my first new confidante in a very long time, that would be waiting for me at the Tee Pee Bar and Grill with her million dollar smile. Those meals were priceless. Her opinions on life and love, even more so. How I wish we could’ve stopped time. Together, we cried, healed, laughed, schemed, ate and repeated. Family, she and I.
When she moved in the spring, I was finally all alone in my new town. It was time to strike out on my own to find new friends. “Give a call when you’re sick” kind of friends. The kind of friends that smile from the heart when they see you. Those that ask, “How are things going?” and have time to listen. Political comrades. Readers of the blog. A family kind of friends. It was up to me.
It was then I found my little church, different from the moment I first walked in. A small group of church members supporting each other through tough times. Covid isolation hadn’t been easy for any of us, and being able to meet again for fellowship held new meaning and importance. God fills this chapel. I’ve been there at different times of the week. It matters not. There is a calm and comforting feeling in the building before scripture is even added. As the weeks have gone on, I’ve realized how much I love these new friends. It was this week, I realized they are becoming family.
I’d been attending everything they had for over two months. Sunday morning Bible Study, Sunday service, Sunday evening Bible Study with Pastor C, Tuesday morning Bible Study with the ladies, and Wednesday evening Bible Study with the Pastor. The Bible has come alive while listening to normal folk talk about applications in normal life. Each time I attended another class, I went away knowing a little more about my heart in ways I hadn’t expected.
And then……. I caught the cold. Not the Mother-of-All-Colds, just a nasty, sneezy-sniffling kind of cold. Not wanting to this little bug to circulate through the pews, I sheltered in place like we’re supposed to do when ill.
The phone calls started. All my favorite people from church called me. Just quick little check-ins because they’d missed me. Little did they know, I’d missed them, too. Today, Pastor C called. Just the sweetest man, on a calling to spread The Word, was checking up on me, a friend, to make sure I was okay.
A friend came to my rescue with Meals on Wheels. Making sure I had everything needed to get well, she hovered at a respectable distance. Giving me space to rest and recuperate, I only needed to holler for anything needed. In the blink of an eye, I’m a visible and valued member of the community. My absence is noticed. I’m loved and it feels wonderful.
Friends are family we choose. In sixteen months, the number of people I’ve added to my high desert family has grown. No longer a new town, this is now my home. No longer alone and lonely, I’m lucky have so many great friends that notice an empty church seat. A sweet neighbor guy who keeps me in chicken fried steak and gravy. And Oliver, forever at my feet as I sign off. Stay well, cherish your friends, and have a great Friday!!!