“It is good to be children at times and never better than at Christmas.” — Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
Ten years ago I added another day to my “Top Ten” list of my entire life.
That November day n 2011 was cool and grey. The Winter birds flew across the Fox River right in front of her home. It had snowed lightly so the ground looked as though magic had happened.
I was visiting my friend, Baby Ruth. We sat at her kitchen table just as she was finishing her breakfast.
“I have an idea,” she said. “I’ve thought of hiring a limo and having lunch at the Walnut Room at Field’s. What do you think?”
Is the Pope Catholic, is what I thought. Wow. Wouldn’t that be wonderful!
“Sign your name on the list on the refrigerator,“ she said. So I did.
And the gleeful anticipation began.
What would I wear? What purse would I take? What would I order for lunch?
That December day did arrive, although I had my doubts. Baby Ruth was 99 years young and anything could transpire between the then and the now.
Thirteen of her best gathered at the limo ready for our Christmas adventure.
The trip into Chicago went smoothly. Ruth’s nephew was a caterer in Chicago and that included Field’s. (Indulge me here, yes, I know it is now called Macy’s, but not to me.)
We went up to the Walnut Room and found there was a two-hour wait. But, her nephew had pulled strings and we were seated immediately. He gave her a dozen red roses and some family members from Dallas had flown in to surprise her. You see, Baby Ruth gave everyone she had ever met so much love and it was reciprocated.
Everyone ordered. We talked. We laughed. It was the best time. Her son, Tom, called and said the day would be his Christmas gift to her and he would cover everyone’s expenses. It was to the tune of $1,000, or so.
Good Gravy Marie!
I ordered the salmon and was sure I had died and gone to Heaven at Field’s with Baby Ruth.
Dessert was ordered and shared. Some had coffee. Ruth and I had our tea.
We met the limo outside about 3 p.m.. A man came up to me and asked who the VIP was and why the limo and I explained that she was almost 100 years old. “God Bless her” he said, in awe.
We had Ruth home before 5 p.m. so she could get her rest.
Christmas brings magic.
It is the festival of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.
I told Ruth I would never forget that day and I have not forgotten.
Rest in peace beloved friend, grandmamma. I always will love you.
Merrie Christmas to all and to all a Good Night.