Rustle of Angel Wings

Sitting at the kitchen table having a cup of coffee with my best friend, Jade, we were discussing knitting projects that we'd like to make. Jade's daughter had just informed her that she was to become a grandmother in the spring and an excited Jade thought to knit a baby blanket. Knitting was never my favorite hobby, therefore I wasn't much help to her when trying to decide on a pattern.

Glancing out the kitchen window at the mountains that rose in the distance, I could see they were already sprinkled with snow, reminding me that it was December 2nd. Only four more months until the arrival of Jade's grandbaby, not much time for an inexperienced knitter! Determined to master the craft, we decided to join a knitting circle that met every Wednesday night, which happened to be tonight, in the basement of our town library.

Arriving at the library we sat at one of two tables, amazed that there were ten other members in the circle, three of them were men! Being a small town in Northern Colorado, we didn't expect such a turnout of knitters. Our table was shared with two community college students who were friends; Kelly, a happy rosy-cheeked girl, and quiet, shy Allison. Sitting at the other table were the three men, Burt, a retired police officer, Paul, an insurance agent and Eugene who was a real estate agent. Sharing their table were two spinster sisters, Helen and Hilda, retired schoolteachers, and a tall raw-boned farmer's wife, Martha.

Lots of yarn is donated by the members after completing their projects for anyone who could use it. The room seemed to be bursting with color, yarns of every color imaginable were scattered across tables lining the wall and tumbling from wooden crates. Jade and I were at the crates checking out the yarn when suddenly the door flew open and the last two members hurried into the room. Breathless, Lisa, a self-employed accountant, and Stephanie, the town diner's waitress, apologized for being late. "Lisa's car is in the repair shop and a few customers lingered over their meal making me late picking her up. Then, when we were almost here, I remembered it was my turn to provide donuts! So we had to head back to the bakery" explained Stephanie.

Approaching the corner table that held a large coffee urn they placed three pastry boxes containing an assortment of donuts beside the urn. Burt, Paul and Eugene jumped up from their seats and rushed to the table, fighting good naturedly over who was first. Laughing, Stephanie said "What is it about coffee and donuts that go so well together?" Peering into the boxes of tempting pastries, I lifted a sugar-coated jelly filled donut thinking to myself, "Boy, I sure don't need this. Ahh, but it sure is good!"

After our refreshments we all sat down and took out our knitting. Taking the chair across from me, Lisa dumped her knitting bag on the table. Reluctantly she removed a gray and white scarf from her bag and began knitting. My project was a scarf too but, not brave enough to try two colors, mine was a solid blue color. Relaxing in the tranquil setting, I listened to the other knitters chatting among themselves. Noticing something was bothering Lisa, Jade and I glanced at each other and unable to remain quiet, I asked "Lisa, is something wrong?" Glancing around the room she saw that everyone was busy with their knitting and talking among themselves. The librarian, Madge, who was an expert knitter, was at the other side of the room helping Burt. Speaking quietly, tears came to her eyes. "I hate this time of the year." she said. "The holidays are so depressing. My dad passed away years ago and my mom two years ago. My brother lives in California with his family and I haven't seen him since my mom's funeral. I miss the good times we all had when we were young. Its no fun being alone on Thanksgiving or Christmas." Pondering this, I could understand how she felt. True, I lost my husband eight years ago and my two children and their families gathered together for the holidays at my home, however, they were both busy the rest of the year and I rarely saw them. For me the rest of the year was depressing, being alone all the time. Thank the good Lord He bought Jade, another widow, into my life, otherwise I couldn't think what my life would be like.

That night as I was praying I asked the Lord to show me how I could help Lisa and others in our small town who were alone at Christmas. The next morning at our usual coffee break, I bought up to Jade what Lisa had said. "You know, there are a few other people who are going through the same depression. Its hard getting through Christmas alone." I said. Thinking over what I said, she replied "Yes, you are right. I know for a fact Burt and Paul are both widowers without any children, Eugene's divorced and his wife has taken the kids to Maine. There are also a few neightbors, some still with spouses but no families, that have nowhere to go for Christmas." "Well, I for one would like to help these people, bring some joy into their life. After all, Christmas is suppose to be a happy time, our Savior was born that day. But how?" I replied. Jade was quiet for a few minuets, then she said "Why don't we bring it up at the circle on Wednesday night?" Amazed that I didn't think of it myself, I laughingly replied " A great idea!"
The following Wednesday Jade and I arrived at the library early and told Madge about our plan. Showing her notes that we had jotted down during the week she said "Yes, that would be an excellent idea! We'll discuss it tonight and see what everyone can come up with. Its short notice but I'm sure if everyone works together, it can be done!"

After all the members had arrived, gotten their coffee and donuts, Madge called for their attention. Surprised, they all set aside their knitting to listen to what Madge had to say. Everyone agreed that something had to be done to cheer the lonely residents of our town. Stephanie said "We have a large room in back of the diner that I'm sure will hold quite a few people. I'll talk to my boss tomorrow and see if we can use it. I'm sure he'll agree and won't charge us to use it for our Christmas party." Paul said he knew a man selling Christmas trees and he would approach the man asking for a donated tree. Helen and Hilda had lots of mittens, hats, gloves and more they had knitted throughout the year and were willing to donate them for gifts. Martha said she had fruit, jams and vegetables, canned, to donate. And on it went, everyone excited to help in any way they could. Needless to say, no knitting got done that night! We all left with plans to meet again on Friday night to discuss the Christmas party we had decided to hold on Christmas eve.

Lisa posted flyers on bulletin boards in the business district announcing the special dinner while the rest of the members contacted neighbors and friends who would benefit from the Christmas party. Not expecting it, we were all flabbergasted at the donations arriving all week at the library and diner! A poultry farmer donated two large turkeys, the butcher gave a large ham, all the trimmings we would ever need came from the neighborhood grocery market and generous families around town. It was awesome!

On Christmas eve morning, Jade and I set out early in the brisk morning air to the diner to help prepare the meal to be served that night. All the members were there except Kelly and Allison, they had left for home yesterday to be with their families for Christmas. Knowing they would not be here to help with the dinner, they volunteered to decorate the tree and room. We had not yet seen the result of their work and were anxious and excited to see how it looked. Opening the back room door, we were stunned at what we saw! The girls had exceeded our expectations in their work. The tree was beautiful! They had hung garland with miniature lights around the ceiling, the tables were covered with white linen tablecloths and had decorated centerpieces made with real pine branches. We knew everyone would love it!

After everyone had arrived and settled in their seats, Brother Michael read the story of Christ's birth from the book of Luke, followed by thanking the good Lord for providing this wonderful meal and fellowship. The party was a huge success and there was joy on everyone's face. Later, while everyone was singing Christmas carols at the end of the evening, I was sitting quietly thinking on how well the party turned out. Thinking back on my short prayer three weeks ago, asking the Lord to show me how I could help Lisa and others who were alone at Christmas, I realized all this tonight was His plan, He had answered my prayer. And, I could have sworn on the bible I heard sweet music and the rustle of angel wings!