Three Gifts

Friends have a way of making everything right. In the two days ATB (After the Bike), three gifts appeared.

The first was from my pedometer friend, Steve. I had told his wife Nancy about the bike, and that evening they arrived with a an aqua-colored exercise ball, maybe 5' in diameter. "Cathe 3LB" it says on it. It's firm and squishy at the same time - tactilely satisfying. Steve knocked himself out showing me all the fun things you can do with it. I didn't say "But it's not a bike." I said, "How sweet! Thank you for thinking of me!" Then I amused them and myself by balancing it on my head.

The second was a gift of words from Wilda. She listened to my sad story, let me feel my feelings, and fed me chocolate at the end of a delicious birthday lunch. As she dropped me off she said, "I'm glad you don't have the bike anymore. Now you won't get hurt!" Leaving me to ponder if there isn't some place within myself that can hear the wisdom of her words.

The last was from Diana, an old seminary friend who lives in Spokane. The package held two good books, several clippings, and a card. When I called to thank her, she said, "I'm sorry it was late."

"No it wasn't, Diana," I said. "It was right on time." I told her the story of the bike and reminded her of the song lyrics she has ended the card with:

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
It's where the light gets in.

So here I am, standing in the light. Seeing the goodness all around. Remembering that the word possibility is the best one of all. I wonder what's next.