The holidays were amazing this year, and I kind of expected to have the normal "I can't believe they are already over" pains as previous years, but for some reason I don't. I have so many goals (both big and small) and because of them I am so excited about the new year! What about y'all? Any big plans? What about little ones? Do they resolve around working on you or do they revolve more on outside goals? Hopefully a mix of all of that. Now not to get really sad on everyone, but something that happened yesterday has really stuck with me and I wanted to share it.
The hubbie and I were driving back from lunch to have my emissions done and stop by the post office to mail out some orders (pictures soon, I promise.) when my check engine light came on. Now, this happens a lot to me and I have yet to find a mechanic who knows how to fix it/ what is wrong. Oh and please remember- we were driving to have my emissions done. so I can get my new tag. by next Friday. (yea yea I'm great at procrastination, I know.) But if any of you have to have emissions done you know you will not pass if any lights are on in your car. So automatically I got into a not so wonderful mood trying to figure out when and how to get this done, as well as how much it was going to cost, etc. etc. Imagine that running through your head as you are balancing boxes of invitations, keeping custom forms (for international orders) from blowing away and trying to open the door to the post office.
Then when you open the door you are greeted by a REALLY long line and only ONE person working at the post office.
Am I painting a good enough picture? Main point, I wasn't thrilled or in the best of spirits.
So after a nice long wait (lucikly our mechanic's garage isn't far from the post office so J parked there "just in case the car wouldn't start") I finally make it up to the front and we begin the whole process.
"Yes. I need insurance."
"Yep, tracking too."
"What is it? Hand painted invitations."
"Yep! I hand paint each one."
"Thank you, I like what I do too!"
"That's like our state in Australia." (my post office doesn't do many international orders so I always have to explain what everything means)
"No, take your time. I'm not in a rush."
By this time I am finally calming down and not so worried about the car, but can't help but notice that my post man is having a really hard time. The contact paper won't come off the back of the form so it can stick to the box, the computer is glitching... everything is a battle for him. Given that I felt like I was having a similar day, I figured I could try to cheer him up with conversation.
"Year starting off well?"
"It's been a little shaky. pretty rough actually." (not what I expected to hear)
"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that. Good thing you have 12 months to smooth it out!"
"yea, except that everything things start to get normal, the holidays and new year come right back around."
Now, I know some people don't like the holidays much, but I'm having a really hard time keeping up a cheerful persona when he is really not happy about the beginning of the year, so I just try to wrap up the conversation by saying that "I really hope it gets better, etc."
"My 2 year old grandson died 2 days after Christmas last year. I was just getting to know him and then just like that he was gone."
I felt like my heart was ripped out right then. Everyone still waiting in line was grumbling, complaining at how long it was taking, but I just couldn't leave him like that. I can't even imagine how hard the holidays would be after a death like that. So I stood there and talked with him. Talked about his grandson, talked about how everyone was, talked about my experiences with death and his, and then tried to encourage him as much as I could before I caused a riot in the post office for holding up the line. I knew I had to, but I really didn't want to leave him there.
So talk about putting things into perspective. There I was upset about my car (something many people don't even have) and there he was, having to work and deal with really angry, impatient people right after the anniversary of losing his grandson. Just made me realize what's really important and how I should just let life's little annoyances go and focus on what's truly important.
Sorry to share such a sad story, but sometimes I think everyone needs to be reminded of what's really important in life. The new year brings all kinds of fresh starts and new opportunities, so try not to focus on the bad and instead focus on all that you do have. All the happiness that's around you. I hope everyone has a great Tuesday and I promise tomorrow won't be as heavy.