Anticipation

As well as the usual presents one can wrap and place under the tree, I have the additional, although happy task of shopping for a box spring mattress. An odd time for an odd purchase, you might think. But, that's the way life is. It sees you juggling a dozen balls and it it sees it as a good time as any to throw in a few more.
The recent trip to Toronto, meant to bring bedroom furniture to our daughter who is now in her own apartment, has left her old room empty outside of the colossal dust bunnies that refused to move out with her. Luckily we kept a bed and mattress she used several years ago as a back up but the foundation and new mattress made its way up north with practically everything else she owned. I had visions of taking leisurely strolls through post Christmas boxing day sales to pick up just the right things in order to make the now empty space into a guest room extraordinaire. It occurred to me shortly after our arrival back that the room will need to be functional again way before the red tags hit the merchandise. And, to make matters even more urgent, the prodigal daughter will need a place to sleep, not just one that looks pretty. Luckily, there doesn't seem to be that many people concerned with box springs at this time of year and the sales person at the local discount furniture store almost seemed euphoric when I entered the store. I left the place relieved that they will be able to deliver the box spring later on in the week and the delivery will be free of charge.
It hit me as I was recuperating from the several hours of madness among last minute shoppers, that we will now have the happy task of waiting for our daughter to make her way home every holiday season. Until now we looked forward to seeing cousins that we often only see at this time of year but now we will add the anticipation of seeing our girl to the many things we look forward to at Christmas. Can't wait to have you home again Alex!!