Standing The Test Of Time
An Annual Outing
Last weekend, we attended the annual Home Grown: A New Mexico Food Show & Gift Market. This was their 11th annual show, all held at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum. About sixty vendors from throughout the state showcased their wares, from salsas, candies, wine, jewelry, and so much more. This event is on our calendar as soon as we know the date. We have probably attended all but one since relocating to New Mexico. We thoroughly enjoy sampling and buying some of the best products New Mexico has to offer.
An Annual Reunion
One very special vendor, for which I unashamedly have a soft spot, is a local salsa chef. She and her product line go by the name of The Bossy Gourmet. While we purchase and enjoy her salsa throughout the year, our face-to-face visits typically occur but once a year. Admittedly, my pace quickens just a tiny bit, and I begin to smile when I see her large, colorful banner. As we approached her booth, she smiled and waved. A welcome I truly had not anticipated. After all, it had been a year, and she must surely see hundreds of smiling faces like mine.
After a brief chat, I requested a jar of my favorite salsas and began to reach for my wallet. “Bossy” placed the jar on the counter in front of me and simply said, “Just take this with you.” A simple gesture, but one that overwhelmed me nonetheless. I mouthed the words, “Thank you.” As we walked away, Judy said, “You are about to cry, aren’t you?” I knew better than to look her way. A tear or two had indeed already started to trickle down my cheek.
Our annual visits are seldom more than five minutes in length, maybe a minute or two longer. But it’s obvious to me, Bossy might be her persona, but she, too, has a soft spot. If her smile is any indication, her soft spot is a big one. In any case, the fact that Bossy recognizes me so quickly warms my heart. We know very little about each other, but one thing is for sure. We share an appreciation and an admiration for each other. Undoubtedly, in different ways and for different reasons.
An Annual Joyous Moment
Proof once again, there is no expiration date on real friendships. No time limit for standing the test of time. Not even the simplest, most casual friendships. If only there were more of these tiny, innocent moments. If only more of these tiny, precious connections could occur. That is to say, here, there, and everywhere. The world would truly be a better place, a happier place, a gentler place.
Maybe I am a dreamer, maybe I am just an old man living in a fantasy world. Maybe. Nonetheless, the euphoria of that moment was real, and it returns time and time again. To be sure, without hesitation and without warning. Within an instant, a smile crosses my face, and a tear or two runs down my cheek. Thank you, Bossy. Lest you haven’t already been told, you are one in a million.