Holiday Wow Moments
Sometimes all you need for your efforts is a “Wow” from a little kid.
On Tuesday morning, just days before tonight’s Community Tree Lighting, volunteers Tim Costello (Vermilion’s lighthouse keeper), Monica Cook, and David Trinter (Parks Department) joined me in decorating one of those Christmas trees that had its share of flaws.
Cut and recycled from Victory Park to make room for new plantings, it had a crooked trunk, two leaders on top, gaping holes, sagging branches. It didn’t matter how many times the tree was rotated to find its good side, there simply weren’t many and no corner to back into. It was a reminder that this Christmas tree, like life, is not perfect but you make the best of it.
So with the help of a thousand lights, some carefully stretched bungee cords, a vertically positioned fence rail, and a bunch of ornaments to fill the gaps with glittery distraction, in the end, we stood back and beamed, “She’s a beaut, Clark. A real beaut.”
That night, when it was dark and downtown was quiet, I Face Timed Emery, my 3-year-old Michigan granddaughter and told her that I was going to light the tree just for her and she would be the first person in all of Vermilionville to see the tree lit up. It was our own little private countdown.
Three, two one…and she let out a “Wow” that made that cold morning, sap-coated hands and time spent manipulating a wonky tree feel totally worth it. She didn’t see the process and imperfections but in the moments when the little lights were twinkling, she found beauty, surprise, and the “wow” in the moment
We spent a few more minutes walking around downtown (via Facetime) looking at all the window displays (highly recommended for long-distance grandparenting). Emery was most impressed by the windows at Brummers, Szabo Apparel, Main Street Soda Grill and Swan Creek, all we could get in before bedtime (hers). I was proud to show off our Small Town on a Great Lake.
So tonight, when Mayor Forthofer and Santa officially host the countdown to the Community Tree lighting, you know the secrets of this perfectly imperfect spruce, which I hope escapes you as the switch is flipped. Please give it loud, “Wow,” and like Emery enjoy the season in the little moments.
Happy Holidays from Main Street Vermilion!
Marilou Suszko, Executive Director
To all, I will be leaving my position as Executive Director at the end of December and in the very capable hands of Kate Repola. Thank you Vermilion and Main Street Vermilion, I have enjoyed serving my community!