Sweet Potato Pie

Today at the supermarket, I met an elderly man in line ahead of me.  He was in his early 80s it seemed and walked ever so slowly with a cane.  The contents of his basket, a small rotisserie chicken and a sweet potato pie were to be his Thanksgiving dinner.  His eyes lit up as he told me how much he loved sweet potatoes and hoped he would enjoy the pie as well when he tried it for the first time.  He would, however, be dining alone as he told me he lost his wife to cancer in 2008 and his daughter in 2010.  I told him I was sorry for his losses and hoped he was able to enjoy his meal.  He wished me well this holiday season and was then on his way. 

For the brief few moments that we spoke, this man warmed my heart.  He reminded me to slow down and take a breath.  He reminded me that the holidays are not about the money spent or the presents received.  They're not about the decorations or the lights or the carols.  They're about the people you surround yourself with and the traditions you keep.  They're about giving back to your community, your family, and yourself.  So, thank you sir for reminding me of what I had forgotten.  I will be thinking of you as I sit down with my family this Thursday for dinner...and perhaps a piece of sweet potato pie.

Be well,