Many many years ago, I worked with a girl by the name of Babette. I mention her as a "girl" because we were both in our early twenties. Young ladies, young women, girls..we fit all those categories.
Babette was a very sweet girl. She was more of an introvert than extrovert. She did her job, did not partake in office gossip (thankfully),although many times that made her the target of it. Small people with small minds, I say.
Back to Babette. She had a sadness about her face that I couldn't help but notice. Sometimes, we would have lunch together. She told me one day, she did not know the whereabouts of her Father, and her Mother had passed away. I knew then, why the sadness in her eyes. She did not have any siblings, and just one Aunt who occasionally looked in on her. She never mentioned her family again, and I did not ask. Whenever she spoke specifically about herself, I only listened.
Babette spent much of her spare time making various kinds of crafts. During one particular December, she made corsage pins for many of the women in the offices. She even gave to those whom she knew gossiped about her. Her kindness was unending.
One day, she told me she was moving to California. She left no forwarding address, and was vague about what she was going to do when she arrived there. I did not ask her any questions; I only listened to what she wanted to share with me. She was very adventurous to move 3,000 miles away to a place she had never been before. I think she was looking for a new start in life, far away from her sad memories.
I still have the white lace corsage that she made me all those years ago. Every year when I open my Christmas box decorations, there sits Babette's gift, carefully wrapped so as to perserve it. I think about Babette mainly when I see the corsage she gave to me. I hold it in my hands, and wonder how she is. I do not remember her last name. I hope she is, most of all, happy and healthy, doing what she wants to do, and being who she wants to be.
Merry Christmas Babette. I still wear your lace corsage on Christmas.
What a sweet yet sad story. You have a lovely reminder of this quiet, gentle soul. I hope that Babette is well, happy and having a fabulous holiday-with loved ones.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that story. Now we can all remember Babette and lift her up in prayer this Christmas season.
ReplyDeletePrecious!!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and GOD BLESS!
This story is so sweet, and reminds me that everyone has a story. Everyone just needs the time and space to be heard. By listening, you gave her a gift that I am sure she treasured. Merry Christmas to Babette!
ReplyDeleteKathy, this story gave me a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I sure hope Babette is living well in California and most of all happy. I too am sending Babette warm wishes for a golden Christmas and a bright 2010! xo
ReplyDeleteTouching and so sad. I wonder what happened to her and hope she is well.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Babette. I hope you get to see each other again. Wonderful story.
ReplyDeleteKathleen,
ReplyDeleteI am a new blogger and this is my first visit to your sweet blog. I too, reside in the Garden State!
Your story touched my heart. We all know a Babette, don't we? I consider them encounters with angels. You were a good friend to allow her the opportunity to be heard and take only what she offered of herself.
I'm sure you cross her mind from time to time when she recalls her few good memories during that time of her life.
Merry Christmas.