an apology, a story, a letter.

So, obviously I missed the deadline for holiday greetings. I apologize! Please forgive us. On that note let me say that I sincerely hope everyone had a nice time with their respective family and friends, and that it was all you hoped it would be.

Now time for a story...

J. and I took a trip downtown to finish up our Christmas shopping as well as have lunch with Adam and our friend Phil who was moving back to California over the holidays. Lunch was great fun. Shopping not quite as fun but we survived. The trip home was another story entirely. Being quite tired, and cold, I was not paying as much attention as I ought to have been and when our bus arrived I got on, with some difficulty, as I'm sure you can imagine when carrying a 25 lb boy, a folded stroller, and several shopping bags. To make matters worse the bus was packed, literally packed, I had several seconds of panic as I thought of how I would manage if we had to stand for 15 minutes or more on the ride home. I was extremely grateful when a middle-aged black man offered me his seat. After that the ride was not too horrible, we were sitting next to a nice older woman who spent the ride entertaining Jonathan. While I was attempting to keep J. from kicking said lady next to us, I happened to look out the window, and much to my dismay realized we were on the wrong bus. (Luckily it was going in the right direction and on Aurora Ave. which I am somewhat familiar with). An angel (I'm sure it was an angel, because no one but me got off) had requested the next stop. I'll admit I was panicking a little. The bus came to a stop and I gathered our things together (J. under an arm bags in one hand stroller in the other, yes, J. was pretty squished) a woman asked if I needed help, I shook my head, but she insisted and said "this woman needs help, will one of you help her?" a young man volunteered and carried the stroller off the bus and made sure I had everything under control before getting back on. I was moved. Their concern and help really touched my heart. Even though I had a long walk, uphill, and in the rain, I couldn't help but feel gratitude that I had gotten on the wrong bus.

To the Strangers,

To you who helped me when I was in need (and too proud to ask) thank you for insisting that I take your seat, helping me entertain my little one, and forcing me to accept your help off the bus. If we ever meet again I probably won't know it's you but know that I will remember your acts of kindness all my days. I will return the favor whenever I can.

yours truly,

Katie