Pay it Forward - Cool, Calm and Collected

The holidays are can be a stressful time for many of us.  The list of chores in preparation is long and time consuming.  It seems that no matter how hard I try, I am always scurrying last minute to make sure everything will be perfect for family and guests.

Due to circumstances beyond my control, shopping for my four grandchildren still remained to be done on December 22nd.  I also had a much needed hair appointment that day.   In addition it was son Andrew’s birthday and son Max’s would be the next day. Brothers and sisters home from college with friends in tow and a full house. So the plan was to go to my hair appointment, shop and then home to prepare the birthday celebration dinner.   My husband, William and I had discussed at least three times what my plans were for that day.

After some work at my desk, some touch up cleaning and adding a few more decorations to the house, I was running a bit late, but could still make my hair appointment on time.  I rushed out to the garage only to find my car missing.  My husband, William loves to drive my car.  On days I have no plans to show houses or meetings to attend, I am happy to share.  This was not one of those days!

This threw me for a bit of a loop, but I took a deep breath and went back inside to get a key to my husband’s car.  No key.  In panic mode, I called my husband. He answered and I heard laughing in the background.  He was at his office holiday party.  I told him about my situation.  He suggested I borrow one of the kids’ cars---as if I hadn’t thought of that myself, but they had all gone to a movie together leaving their cars, but no keys. He gave me a couple of places to check for keys which turned up nothing.

I told him I would cancel my hair appointment and work at my desk.  I calmly hung up the phone.

Hopefully not just the women reading this will get how this is paying it forward.  I felt like doing bodily harm to my husband, but instead chose to remain calm and forgive him.  Even though he did not think to apologize, I chose not to ruin his day with an argument.  Our family  had a wonderful birthday celebration that evening.