Behind the scenes here, we have been hard at work getting Mom situated in her new life. (Sassy has found a number of favorite places.) After the unpacking, there was the arranging, picture hanging, ordering from Ikea, assembling and finishing, but we have that all set now. I started calling her Rapunzel because our family - mostly me - is still in charge of any and all things. Without a car, she relies on us for her connections to the outside world. And she needs and wants to be on her own.
There are 10 apartments and doors on her floor, but rarely do you see anyone lingering long enough in the hall and there isn't a common area where people would have a chance to gather. So I suggested that Mom hold an open house to meet the neighbors. It's the holidays, good time to party.
I made invitations like hangtags and looped them onto all the door knobs on her floor + one for the tall gentleman on another floor. (That's a whole 'nother story for the memory book.) Please stop by and meet your new neighbor..... 5-7 on Sunday.
Maggie - our amazing, sweet Maggie!! - took on the full task of food and drink. We got everything fluffed up, chilled the drinks, trayed the cheeses, plugged in the iPod, lit the candles and waited for 5:00, hoping someone would come.
At 4:45, the tall gentleman arrived.
By 5:15, the place was filling up. By 6, it was jammed. 100% attendance. Until 9 that night!
We met and entertained everyone on the floor, all ages and backgrounds. The gallery curators next door, the computer wiz, the children's book editor, the NYPD criminologist, the psychotherapist, Donald Trump's first (though now retired) personal assistant, the food fragrance specialist, the o-so-nice mother and daughter way at the end of the hall and sweet May and Seymour across the way. Each was so genuinely kind, full of offers to help in any way. They happily visited with each other and wondered why they hadn't thought of getting together before. They told us the stories and tips about life in the building. They left their phone numbers, cookies, welcome gifts, hugs.
Next day I called Mom to see how she was feeling after the Big Night. Sorry, can't talk.... I'm having coffee with the girl next door. Can I call you back?
Absolutely! Mission accomplished.
The sweetest story. You have such a great family.
Lucky mom, lucky kids to have a daughter/mom like you.
Posted by: Danette | December 18, 2008 at 11:36 AM
What a lovely Christmas story... just goes to show what a whole lot a love and a little creativity can do. So very thoughtful of you and your girls. LOVEly. Hope all works out with the tall gentleman;-)
Posted by: Kelly Henderson | December 18, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Oh, this makes my heart happy! You are an amazing mother and daughter...a true inspiration! May your Christmas be blessed! xo suzanne duda
Posted by: Suzanne Duda | December 18, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Bless you Charlotte. This story makes me so very happy. I remember being in a similar situation with my father several years ago...only no friends for my pops in his condo. It was so hard for everyone. What you did is so wonderful....and so you!!
This is a wonderful Christmas story. Can't wait for Part II...the tall gentleman upstairs story!!
xoxo
Posted by: Teresa McFayden | December 18, 2008 at 01:02 PM
That makes me happy for your Mom and for you. What a perfect way to get to know everyone! Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Donna | December 18, 2008 at 01:06 PM
What a wonderful & special way to meet everyone. So glad it was so successful. Sounds like your Mom is off to a great start thanks to a super daughter and granddaughter. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Troy Louise | December 18, 2008 at 01:33 PM
You and your daughters are angels. Your creativity and thoughtfulness know no bounds.
Posted by: Debbie Jones | December 18, 2008 at 01:33 PM
This is a story that has warmed my heart today. I've just dropped by from visiting Debbie at Homespun Living. Her dad has just passed away. It's such a difficult thing to lose a parent, I'm glad to hear that you and yours are enjoying this time with your mom.
Everything looks lovely in her new home.
Take care.
Take care.
Posted by: Lena | December 18, 2008 at 01:34 PM
What a terrific idea!
Posted by: Kim | December 18, 2008 at 01:35 PM
What a great Christmas story. It just takes one person willing to take a risk and reach out. This has warmed my heart today!
Lorrie
Posted by: Lorrie | December 18, 2008 at 02:03 PM
How fabulous! What a great family you are, and what a tale of human kindness :)
Posted by: Lilli | December 18, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Wow. Goodness is alive and well!
What a beautiful thing to do.
Posted by: judy | December 18, 2008 at 02:09 PM
This made me cry a little. :)
Your mom is lucky to have such a caring family.
Happy Holidays to you all!
xo
di
Posted by: Diane Duda | December 18, 2008 at 02:15 PM
What a wonderful thing to do and such a sweet outcome. What a wonderful family you all are!! xoLindaSonia
Posted by: LindaSonia | December 18, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Fantastic! What a great idea! Your mom is a lucky gal to have such a terrific family around her.
Posted by: jenny b harris | December 18, 2008 at 03:03 PM
I loved this story. I liked the way the pictures, which show no one coming, leads us to the end. Just like a good movie! Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Posted by: Barbara Stillman | December 18, 2008 at 03:19 PM
This is so heart-warming! And I bet those door tags were very stylish! Happy christmas to you.
Posted by: Diana | December 18, 2008 at 03:30 PM
What a happy story I love those kinds of stories!!!
Diane
Posted by: Diane ( Crafty Passions) | December 18, 2008 at 05:16 PM
You are such a lovely daughter!
So happy she's made some friends--and knows the neighbors.
We all need to reach out and get to know those who live around us--it would probably surprise us all to find out what a varied and interesting group it is.
Posted by: Leigh Ann | December 18, 2008 at 06:25 PM
Charlotte! Your mom is so cute and my, but she has a chic apartment...! Very nice, warm-fuzzy story. Smiling from ear to ear. Enjoy your mom!
mary
Posted by: Mary | December 18, 2008 at 07:13 PM
How fabulous! What a special idea and a great outcome for everyone. Sounds like your mom will soon be super busy. Stroke of Charlotte genius!
Posted by: debe | December 18, 2008 at 07:32 PM
What a heart warming story! Loved it. I so enjoyed seeing the wonderful decorations you have been making, too
Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas!
Donna
Posted by: The Decorated House | December 18, 2008 at 10:00 PM
What a happy story. Thank you for telling it. Neighbors *do* make life sweet.
Posted by: MJ | December 18, 2008 at 10:44 PM
How wonderful! Makes me teary.
Posted by: Linda Richter | December 18, 2008 at 11:48 PM
What a wonderful idea and story! Your writing always has me in tears - happy or sad - you just write so beautifully. I'm glad your Mom is getting settled and making new friends. That gets more difficult as you get older. You're a great daughter and you raised great daughters!! You must be very proud. Happy Holidays!
Posted by: Doreen | December 18, 2008 at 11:49 PM
This sounds like a smashing success, and I love a happy story! Your Mother is lucky to have such a kind family, and I suspect some of that was taught to you by her example.
Bless you all this Christmas!
Posted by: Dede Warren | December 19, 2008 at 12:07 AM
what a sweet, sweet story. i am so happy for your mother. you will never find her alone now, which is a wonderful thing. you and your daughters should be very proud of yourselves. and i think we'll be hearing more from the tall gentleman.
Posted by: traci | December 19, 2008 at 08:34 AM
Mission accomplished indeed!~~~Happy Holidays!~~~XXOO, Beth
Posted by: Elizabeth Fedorko | December 19, 2008 at 08:36 AM
How very wonderful!
Posted by: heather blanarik | December 19, 2008 at 08:42 AM
What a wonderful idea to host a get together not only for your Mom but you also brought together all those neighbors. Life has been changed for many. You are a dear daughter and are blessed with the same. Happy holidays to you and all your family Charlotte.
Posted by: Wendy | December 19, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Thank you for the wonderful Christmas holiday. I love that it was a leap of faith - so special. It brought tears to my eyes. Happy holidays. . .
Hugs, Kim
Posted by: Kim Caldwell | December 19, 2008 at 10:52 AM
What a great story. Thank you so much for sharing. That's just the kind of story that should make the front page news!
Merry Christmas to you all!
Posted by: Lynne | December 19, 2008 at 11:03 AM
oh how wonderful and sweet! Something about it made me think of the party in You've Got Mail where Tom Hanks steals the caviar garnish. Lol. What a brilliant idea that was - that floor will never be the same : ) Love the new profile pic by the way!!
Posted by: jerusalem | December 19, 2008 at 01:28 PM
charlotte,
ohhhh, this sounds like a movie on the hallmark channel!! how wonderful and sweet...you're lucky to have your mom, and she's sure lucky to have you!!!
merry christmas!
meleen
Posted by: meleen dupré | December 19, 2008 at 02:18 PM
What an absolutely delightful story. Your "mission accomplished" brought a lump in my throat and a tear to my eye. Merry Christmas!
Kathy in Chicago
Posted by: Kathy in Chicago | December 19, 2008 at 03:03 PM
Dear Charlotte----I read the start of you entry today while holding my breath--you know, that worried, cautious, breath-holding that one does when reading something that you want soooo much to come out alright but just not sure yet....that was up to the part about " hoping someone would come....." THEN.......WoW, what a super idea---so glad that the night turned out so successful for your mom-----you know, no matter the age, we just all need a little "gentle" push to engage with one another. Bless you and your girls for making that awkward move for your mom so lovely. You are so inspirational and your girls will follow just like you---Love, love love this entry!!! Happy Holidays!
Posted by: Penelope | December 19, 2008 at 03:11 PM
100% COOL
Posted by: joyce | December 19, 2008 at 05:34 PM
Charlotte! What a wonderful night you gave to your mom! So special. Now, tell me...what the heck is a 'food fragrance specialist??' LOL.
Posted by: Cathy Santarsiero | December 19, 2008 at 11:48 PM
What a wonderful story and a wonderful daughter you are to think of the open house. Blessings to you and yours for the Christmas season! Peace, Linda T
Posted by: Linda Thiltgen | December 19, 2008 at 11:51 PM
Beautiful Christmas story! Hugs to all! Heidi
Posted by: Heidi Woodruff | December 20, 2008 at 01:21 AM
Oh so wonderful! What a sweet, loving and generous daughter you are... a reflection, I am sure of the precious mama you have. Love this, Charlotte. Blessings!
Posted by: Jill Assman | December 20, 2008 at 08:45 AM
What a beautiful thing, Charlotte! Lynne is right on - I want this as my front page news, too.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!! xoxo.
Posted by: amanda | December 20, 2008 at 05:44 PM
I LOVE this post! What a wonderful thing you have done! When you care, you can never go wrong! Happy Holidays! ~Mandy
Posted by: Amanda | December 21, 2008 at 11:56 AM
I'm so inpsired by this story--like something out of a Frank Cappra movie! What a wonderful way for your Mom to transistion into a new phase of life. And so many interesting neighbors! I think impromptu parties are the best.
BTW: You've been added to my new blogroll--thank you for your support dear lady!
Posted by: ~Vicki | December 22, 2008 at 10:17 AM
What a wonderful peek at what Christmas is all about! I think you've got us all hooked with the kindly gentlemen who showed up fifteen minutes early to have a nice chat with your mother before the festivities began! It's all about HOPE, isn't it? MERRY CHRISTMAS CHARLOTTE!
Posted by: Julie B. | December 22, 2008 at 11:14 AM
We celebrate the Winter Solstice. I linked to this story saying:
You must go to this blog and read a wonderful story for the winter solstice. It embodies the theme of regenerative transformation which is the essence of earth energy. It is earth energy we are truly celebrating at the Winter Solstice.
Posted by: Greenconsciousness | December 22, 2008 at 12:46 PM
What a treat this must be for you to hear..and such a relief! We worry about my Mom since she moved back up here. Making new friends as a seior is often so difficult!
Her home is lovely, she is lovely and so blessed to be surrounded by such a loving family!
Hugs,
Sue
Posted by: Sue | December 29, 2008 at 11:07 PM