The Neighborhood Center Thrift store is coming here at noon to pick up an office chair. Early this morning, I was checking closets for other possible donations. In the kitchen, I found Mom's favorite china figurine, The Belle of the Ball, tucked away in the hand-painted cupboard. The Belle of the Ball, not really my style. I'd tried several times since Mom's passing to pass her along.
Now I picked up Belle to wrap her in tissue and put her in a shoe box for donation. With the delicate figurine in my hands, thoughts turned to Mom. I looked closely at the porcelain beauty -- the grace of her swept coiffed hair, the elegance of her fine gown, the slender gloved fingers clasping her evening bag... I sighed, "I can't do it." Belle went back to the dark kitchen cupboard where she'd been for four years.
Belle of the Ball |
Who would be stopping by before 7:00 a.m.?! I called out to Elliot, "Doorbell."
Taking a breath, I hurried to answer it. With a feeling of confidence, I pulled back the sheer front door curtains. To my surprise, no one was there.
Puzzled, I looked up and down the street. No one in sight.
In that instant, I knew it was Mom! Oh, how she loved a good joke. Chills rippled. Her playful spirit had come by ringing the bell. Too funny as her figurine is Belle of the Ball. And, Mom was having a ball ringing my bell! I burst into joyful tears.
Elliot came out to see who it was. I told him, Mom was here!
Did you notice the doorbell rang in two-notes, not just the usual DING? He asked, giving me a hug.
"Thank you, Mom!" I clapped, happy the veil was so thin. Laughing, I hurried to the cupboard and grabbed Belle, who now proudly stands on the sun porch etagere by our front door, grateful to be out in the light and on the town once more.
It's comforting to know that our loved ones are close by. They haven't forgotten us, they only had a change in wardrobe. How wonderful is that...
Enjoy your day with the Angels.
Love and joyful blessings,
Rae Karen