It is Coming
The aroma of the holiday spirit is not simply meandering. It is both adrenalizing and stirring: The festive and sparkling embellishments of decorative lights are almost everywhere; the convergence of shoppers in the stores flipping through inventories from shelves and display counters; Fed Ex, UPS and USPS trucks are in full throttle; colorful gift-wrapped boxes relaxing by the tree.
While some are jubilant and animated for the forthcoming celebration, there are others who might just be sitting at the corner of the house- seeking solace from each passing day. And one of them might be the man I call Papa Bobski.
Papa Bobski and Mama Arlene called me the daughter they never had. They were my second clients in this real estate business. They moved to Virginia when they sold their home in Bolton in 2007. Since then, Mama Arlene would call me from time to time just to check on me. When they came back to visit CT in 2010, the reunion burst with big smiles and laughters that would not drown easily.
When it was time to part ways, Papa Bosbki proudly led me to his truck to show the customized plate, "Bobski." That is the name I gave him and he cherished it.
The Premonition
I could not remember exactly the day of the week when I woke up at 6 AM and the first thought that came to my mind was Mama Arlene. Her image lingered for a while like a frame floating in the air. Hmmm. "I have not talked to her for a long time. I better call her today," was the plan frolicking at one of the crannies in my brain.
But there were so many things that bogged me down that I had completely forgotten to dial her number. The next day, when the caller ID flashed Papa Bobski's real name, I grabbed the handle with exhilaration. "Oh my goodness. I just thought about Mama Arlene yesterday. I thought about calling her."
The short silence in the air gave me the inexplicable shivers down my spine. He said, "Maria, your Mama Arlene passed away yesterday at 6 o' clock in the morning. My heart pounded heavily as if my chest was hit hard by something. There was this gnawing sensation inside and it felt terrible.
The Empty Christmas Card
For 8 consecutive years, Mama Arlene would call me weeks before Christmas to tell me she had picked up something from a catalog. And she hoped that I would like it.
A Christmas card will come first before the package. It was usually signed like this, "Love Papa Bobski, Mama Arlene and Rob."
Last Friday, I got my card from the Vaughns---signed.... "Papa Bobski and Rob." There was no longer a name in the middle. And it wasn't the same.
What does Robert Frost say?
Robert Frost sums up life in 3 words. "Life Goes On." There are many Papa Bobski in our midst. There are many of us who will cling into the void and somberness till considerable passage of time.
I hope that instead of throes and woes that this story might bring, it opens up those ventricles of faith in your heart. That although life offers no certainty, we can choose to live instead of exist. That we don't just breathe air, drink water and eat food for sustenance.
We have a spirit to feed. And that spirit that we nurture--- not with pixelated munificence---- but with harvests sowed from the simple things we do--- shall make our life worth the stay on this space we tend, protect and nourish.
50 Things That Really Matter
We can't alter the order or disorder by which the turn of events unfolds. But we can change on how we perceive and enjoy life.
Kara Marantha Messinger wrote this book "50 Things that Really Matter." They are not in any special order of importance. Rather, it can be surmised that these are random thoughts of the author.
They are not tenets nor doctrine. They are simply list of things that can help us see life in a different light. Ponder and see if these things really matter. I hope they do.
1) Wisdom
2) Warm Spring Days
3) Memories
4) Honest Work
5) Faith
6) Bubble Baths
7) Passion
8) Puppies
9) The Sounds of Music
10) Seashells
11) Candlelights
12) Saying "I Love You"
13) Saying "I am Sorry"
14) Flowers
15) Motherhood
16) A Good Book
17) Kindness
18) Afternoon Naps
19) Friends
20) Thunderstorms
21) Sad Movies
22) Family
23) Gratitude
24) Quiet Time
25) Imagination
26) Independence
27) Milestones
28) Contentment
29) Hugs
30) Sunrise
31) A Child's Art
32) The Smell of a New Baby
33) Romance
34) Holidays
35) Trust
36) Sympathy
37) Holding Hands
38) Charity
39) Summer Nights
40) Old Dogs
41) Family Dinners
42) A Good Cup of Coffee
43) Curiosity
44) A Sense of Wonder
45) Companionship
46) Home
47) Butterflies
48) Courage
49) Hope
50) You
I wish everyone abundant blessings and joys in life. Happy Holidays Everyone!
. You just made me smile 
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