It’s not the stuff

Newspaper clipping from my grandma’s archives c. 1980-something

I remember where I was standing. And that it was unseasonably warm for Iowa. Even the grassy areas were muddy. I wore my heavy winter coat unzipped.

The farm hasn’t had hogs since 1998, but sometimes when I visit, I swear I can still hear the metal covers on their feed troughs clang.

There’s nothing more brown and dull than Iowa farmland in the winter. Considering it was a novelty when a car drove down our gravel road, a bright balloon in the gray sky truly inspired awe.

I have no idea what I got for Christmas that year. Apparently, it was “alot!”

But I will never forget how that moment felt.

It’s about the feelings. Not the stuff.

Merry Christmas ❤️