All the Saints
There’s something about Fall. The smell of leaves and the dampness. The chill in the air. On special mornings when I need comfort, I run one town over to get me some biscuits and sausage gravy for breakfast, but mostly to see my favorite server, Annie.
Annie is special. I’ve watched her for years. I marvel at how she takes care of people. She’s not just taking orders and bringing food to the table. Annie is magic and builds true community every day she goes to work. She is in the business of caring.
A few months ago, I was dining solo, chatting with Annie, when another customer walked in. Annie introduced me to Melissa and we ended up sitting together for our meal. Annie is her favorite server too.
Every few weeks since then, Melissa and I try to meet for breakfast when Annie’s working. This particular morning, we were sitting there eating breakfast when a couple of my favorite Way of Jen art collectors walked in. It was so fun to see them! We had a great little chat and then they sat down and ordered their food. Annie walked over to our table to hand us our bill and much to my surprise, they paid our bill! I cannot tell you the joy of that little act of kindness. It didn’t just make my day–it made my whole week. I’m still basking in the joy of it.
This joyful season of my life I’m living is in very real ways because of you. It’s little things. It’s all the ways we are building community. I never knew my life would be like this. I feel the wonder and honor of sharing with you.
We’re on this journey together. You all are my saints. I carry you and you carry me. Over and over. You feed me and keep me going. I’m thrilled with your little notes back to me after a letter like this one or a comment on a pic on my Facebook. When you share how you are touched by my art, it keeps me going, it fuels my curiosity. Or when you ask me for advice on art in your home. It makes me want more of that powerful connection. Your experience colors my experience.
All my saints. You all have gifted me this life of riches, a life that echoes with creative freedom, deep ties to this place and my history, and so much love . . . as I sit here painting my art with my dear husband. You all are definitely my saints.
