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Not Christmas

It almost felt like Christmas today. We both got up early and put on our best clothes after washing up. We ate a light breakfast and headed out to the car. It was a little cool, adding to the feeling. We didn't talk much until we hit heavy traffic a few miles from the Pike.

"Do you think Bob and Carla will come?"

"Oh, I'm sure they will", Linda answered. I agreed, and we inched forward a little.

"Probably Bob and Dianne", I guessed. Linda nodded her head.

"Maybe Spense", she said.

"Yeah, maybe. I don't suppose Matt could make it."

Linda sighed. "No, probably not."

The traffic cleared a bit and we drove on.

"That sun-catcher in our kitchen window - Bob and Mo gave that to us when we left camp", Linda reminded me. I mumbled something. Our exit was coming up.

The miles rolled by. We would obviously be early, so we stopped for coffee a mile before the directions said we had to turn. We didn't say much, and didn't tarry long. We came to the street and went up hill and into the church parking lot. Half an hour early, but it seemed so were many other people. As we drove closer, we realized that a knot of people standing in the lot were our camp friends, some of them people we have known for twenty years. We've kept in touch by email with many of them, but haven't seen most for two years since we sold our trailer and left. We parked the car and walked toward them.. somebody spotted us and heads turned and there were outstretched arms. We joined the group, hugging and kissing everyone.

Jackie kissed me on the cheek and immediately pulled out a tissue to wipe the lipstick away. I couldn't believe that her three children were so grown up: weren't these the youngsters who had tumbled about on the lawn in front of our first camper? And yet here they were, one in an ROTC uniform - too grown up. Todd and Caroline, Paul and Deb, Traci, Ray, there's Mike, and Rick and Fredda.. some we've known for decades, some just a few years, but good to see them all. Bob and Carla drove in, bringing Pam. They walked toward us. I didn't know who to hug first but Pam drew me into a bear hug and said "So good to see you!" I hugged her back and tried to shake Bob's hand at the same time. Carla must be taking good care of Bob; he looks great.

After a few minutes we walked into the church. Spacious, airy and bright: large glass windows behind us let the morning sun pour in; we could see shadows of people coming in behind us projected onto the walls behind the altar. We filed into an aisle, sitting beside Bob and Carla. Pam sat beside me and we talked quietly as more people came in. Mo walked by us with her daughter and grandchildren, touching Pam's shoulder as she passed.

We had all noticed a squad of police officers in parade dress also standing in the lot as we came in. At almost the same instant Pam and I both noticed the shadows of their hats on the wall in front, and we knew they were coming with Bob.

I thought of when we had first met Bob, twenty years back. We were new then, and had wandered down to the fire pit that burned brightly every weekend at the lower end of the camp. We hadn't bought a permanent site yet, we were transients, and we didn't know anyone. We hung back, just outside of the circle of light cast by the flames. The group around the fire obviously all knew each other well; we didn't want to barge in. But suddenly someone on the other side of the pit stood up and waved us inward. "Hey, come on in. I'm Bob - what are your names?"

He welcomed us into the group, shoved people over so we had room to sit, and introduced us as though he'd known us for years. He offered us beer, S'mores, introduced us to more people, made us feel like we were part of a big family.. that was Bob. He always did that anytime he spotted strangers.. dragged 'em in, made them part of the group. Always.

The troopers wheeled him down the aisle and stopped the casket next to where Mo sat. The priest began to speak, and the Mass began. We're not religious, but it was pleasant, and the woman who played and led the singing had a nice voice. Bob's godson spoke, as did a neighbor. The priest read something Mo had prepared. She remembered their life together, and noted that Bob would so often come home to say "I just met the nicest people.." That was Bob.

After the service, the cemetery, and then back to a local restaurant. Hugs for Mo, she's surrounded by family, so we go to our table. More Bob stories from a member of his K-9 unit. More memories shared with our friends.. remember the practical jokes between Bob and Bob of Dianne? The night we all decorated Bob and Mo's camper with toilet paper? How about when Bob ducked into the woods to relieve himself and a tree came crashing down - I kidded him about his amazing hydraulic pressure..

Too soon it was time to leave. Promises to friends that we must get together soon. More hugs. More promises. We say goodbye to Mo. She looks tired, of course. We say the usual things and hug her again. Linda reminds her that we think of both of them every time we look out our kitchen window. We hope she will be with family for the next few days. She says she's fine. We know she is not but we hug her again and say goodbye. And then back in the car.

"Great to see everyone", I said. Linda said "Yes".

We didn't say a lot more after that, but we did hold hands almost all the way home. It's definitely not Christmas.

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