The LinkedIn Hallmark Christmas Article

"I run a business and never had time for relationships. Hi, I'm Jennifer and my corporate life has been turned upside down as I have to return to my hometown to tend to my mother who is ill."

The last place I want to spend the Christmas season is in the hospital. It is a lonely place. It is even lonelier for my mother. Hopefully she can go home soon. There are no happy endings in a Nursing Home.

While at the hospital she bumps into a man delivering flowers.

"Excuse me sir, how do I get to the new wing?"

"You have to go around and through that- I'll take you myself. When this was Arlington Hospital it was easy to find your way. Looking through Virginia Hospital Center gives the distinct possibility you will find Robin Hood's barn."

"My mother used that phrase. Never thought I would find it. I'm Jennifer."

"I have been blessed with many Jennifers in my life. And Michelles although we won't talk about them right now. I'm Thomas."

"Hello."

They reach the elevator.

"What room are you going to?"

"It's on the fourth floor. I think I can find it from here. Can you get back?"

"You noticed the bread crumbs I put down. I'm in the fire lane so it's okay to park briefly. Never park in a handicap spot."

"Thank you, Thomas. I really don't know anyone around here. All the men I went to school with are married."

"Every last woman I meet is married."

"Even the gay men are married at this point. Can I give you my card? I would like to see you again."

"Sure. When is a good time to call?"

"Probably after seven. You better deliver than arrangement."

"I'll do that."

The following day Thomas picks up the phone to make that call.

"Hello?"

"Hey Jennifer. This is Thomas. I'm calling to see how everything is."

"Thanks. It seems like my mother will need extra tests and I was told that I would have to stay with her through Christmas, probably New Year's"

"Is that going to affect your business?"

"I can work remotely if necessary. Not sure what I shall do with the rest of my days and nights."

"Well, I am working at UPS. In fact we go to work in a few hours."

"I thought you delivered flowers."

"I have two jobs. Both in peak periods. We are hiring and since you'll be here through the end of the year, why don't you come to work?"

"Normally I would tell where you could go. Since I'm here for the rest of the year? I could find the true meaning of Christmas while helping the supply chain."

Jennifer applies and is hired quickly. If you can believe someone would fall for me for the way I do my job you can believe Human Resources would hire someone expediently. Jennifer enters the warehouse.

"So this is where you work. I can't believe how early it is."

"It will get earlier. Ever see Zero Dark Thirty?"

"A long time ago. It was pretty good."

"Some days we begin work at 12:30. It will make this two o' clock start time seem late by comparison."

She looks into his eyes. He looks right back. How long have I worked and there is someone receptive? Enter the high school chorus

"Hey, who's that lady?"

"What are you, The Isley Brothers? Her name is Jennifer and she is new to the area."

"Sounds like a long distance relationship in the same city. That could work. What will you do when she goes home?"

"There is such a thing as the phone and the internet. I love to travel so what would stop me from visiting? We have to make it through peak."

By December 20 Jennifer is a little perturbed. Her sleep patterns are all over the place. She and Thomas sleep next to each other. Fully dressed since there really isn't intercourse on the Hallmark Channel. It is nice and they sleep more soundly in each other's arms. The alarm goes off."

"How do you wake up to music, Thomas?"

"I know when the alarm is set and I can ease into the morning or in this case? The evening."

"You didn't put up any lights. You don't even have a tree. Do you not like Christmas?"

"It's not about that. With two jobs there is no time for decorations. I drive down different streets to see different displays."

"That's nice. Let's get ready for work."

Christmas Eve is never as long of a day as expected. Most deliveries were already made. We finish before dawn.

"That was early. It's still dark out."

"It's okay, Jen. We can see more decorations in Alexandria."

"You really like decorations."

"They are traditional and illuminating. Not unlike myself."

"And you were never married?"

"No one ever asked."

"Usually men do the asking."

"What I mean is it really never came up in conversation. Sort of the reason no one ever put me on a podcast."

Jennifer gives him a strange look.

"Would you rather be on a podcast or fall in love?"

"Come over her and I'll show you."

The peak period ends. Jennifer returns to her illustrious job and her mother can come home which is a relief. She did not find the true meaning of Christmas. She met a decent guy and cleaned up with Peak Period overtime which is almost as good.