Jennifro

There Goes Santa Claus

Some things are just plain sad. At the start of this month, Poole's General Store swung closed it's shutters forever, and I felt that familiar sting of permanence like the time they blew up the Little House on the Prairie set when I was a little girl. Watching those beloved buildings blow one by one, stuck with me for a long time because I knew they'd never rebuild that set. Walnut Grove was gone. Same thing now. I remember dating Nick in the late 80's and he told me all about this great old place up the street. A family run business of red heads where you could get your horse feed and your hot dog within arm's reach of the other. It seemed so nostalgic to me, and when I finally saw it for myself, it was just as I envisioned--like a place from another time. Through the years it has been a vintage stop to eat your lunch on the picnic table by the river, or to break up your day with an ice cream for the kids. But undoubtedly, what has endeared it to me, has been it's simple gift of Santa Claus. I don't know where they found him, but he is a gem.

I believe Nicholas first sat on his lap at age two, eleven years ago. I was quickly mesmerized by this kind, authentic soul who became teary as he spoke of his anticipation for the one day a year he visited Poole's Store, and the children he had come to love.

Mrs. Claus sent an email to Nick the day after our last visit, and told him that she and her husband had never taken money for being Mr. and Mrs. Claus. She said for them it was "A gift of love" and that their hearts were heavy at losing so many dear connections. Nick assured her that we would find a place for her and our favorite Santa next year so all will be well....

As for the Old General Store... the doors are closed and the shelves are bare. Good-bye big spicy beef hot-dogs and ham sandwiches on white bread. Good bye red-headed sisters behind the counter who laughed when we sneakily said, "Put it on the account?" Good-bye spring selection of fragrant herbs and potted plants with your promise of summer produce. Good-bye chickens and guinea fowl running like heck through the parking lot. Good-bye sun-kissed campers in your yellow life jackets eating ice-cream by the river. Good-bye General Store with your eclectic mix of memories. It's been a good time...