Honor

It was beautiful. It was full. It was feminine and sweet and sparkly and glittery. Everywhere you looked there was something to delight the eyes. A feast for the eyes. Such beauty and grace and charm. The room was filled to the brim with particles of joy and the expectation of what was to come was almost too much.

Lovely music in the background. Crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Artistic paintings hanging on every wall. Pastels and antiques in every corner. Handmade creations packaged in clear cellophane. Silver teacups and saucers nestled between heirloom silverware at each place setting. As each guest arrived she was greeted with such joy and love as if everything was just for that one.

Steaming hot water filled each gorgeous silver teacup. The overstuffed chair slowly filled up with creatively wrapped gifts for the special birthday girl. Each gift hand chosen to mark a special occasion in her life. The guests took their places.

And then she took out a box. A tin box with the name Hamilton on it. Her last name. I got a glimpse of what might be in that box a few days back when I dropped off a boy of mine at her house and stopped to chat for a few minutes. Oh, the box held so much love it in. Love that she painstakingly put into each beautiful, individual gift for each guest.

Slowly and purposefully she pulled out each necklace. As she saw each name she would give a little gasp. "This lovely lady...." And each one was described with significance and meaning. Each one was made to feel as if they were the most special person ever. That they filled a spot in her life that no other could in that way. And then she would present her guest with their necklace and hug them like they were the only person in the room.

And then there was the food. The food. Each little bite held with it a mouthful of surprise and delight. Each one was disguised as an everyday morsel but it was not so. They were anything but everyday. They were scrumptious morsels that awoke the tastebuds. Just when we thought it was over, more would come out on beautiful trays delivered by handsome children. How sweet to have your children serve your guests. It makes a mother's heart proud.

From the very start to the very end each detail was acknowledged and appreciated. It was special and I felt honored to be a part of it.