Anchor Struck

For the past several years Jude and I have helped out with the free community Christmas dinner at the HBI.  We go early so we can eat first and waddle home while others clean up.  This year my main job was greeting people at the door.

This served two purposes: (1) to greet people; and (2) to keep traffic flowing smoothly through the door to keep out as much frigid air as possible.

We had a huge turnout, about 175 folks.  Problem was, we only had seating for about 140.  Revelers gamely squeezed in as much as possible, but late arrivals could find no space.  Among them was a young couple with a baby. They sat near me in the cold lobby.

I told them I’d talk to Lois the manager.  She opened the pub for them and the other unseated.  Everyone got served a marvelous meal.

I’m not a huge fan of the end of the year, except for the solstice and the football games, but I was genuinely moved by the symbolism of a couple with child finding warmth and food in a caring community.  I don’t believe that effects my credentials as an agnostic and cynic.

P.S.  I’m hoping to avoid as much hype as possible in a Trump-filled 2016, but it may be in vain.  In changing my satellite TV package to receive more bowl games, I was put on hold and a pleasant voice told me “Thank you for waiting.  You’re awesome.”  Random Chance, give me strength.