The Red Sweater

For several years, sales people were allowed to set up shop at tables outside the bookstore in the U.C.  A couple of times there was a vendor who sold gorgeous hand-knit (or so he said) sweaters from Bolivia (or somewhere).  There were very few "smalls" available.  I had looked for one in red, but was told the only one in the stack had been sold earlier that day.  I came back to the office and was telling this story to several staff when Sue came out of her office and said, "Oh, I bought that for Mindy for Christmas, but here -  you can have it.  I have something else for Mindy anyway."  


We argued back and forth about it because I didn't want to feel guilty forever for denying Mindy this wonderful Christmas present.  As usual, Sue won out.  She insisted I take the sweater and then refused to let me pay for it.  "Merry Christmas," she said, and gave me a hug.  Of course, I kept the sweater, which I still have and love.  (Sorry, Mindy).

Teresa Hudkins
Friend, Colleague and Red Sweater Owner