One summer at a family picnic, a beloved nephew commented that he likes those tall Tupperware salt and pepper shakers because they don’t have to be refilled often. They’re great for camping since they have lids and are airtight. I made a mental note and thought how nice it would be to find him some at a yard sale. Though everyone in the family had owned a set at some point, I hadn’t seen mine in years. So I added “Shakers for Jason” to the list of kindnesses that I will never actually get around to.

One day while digging in an extremely low cabinet for a possible lid to match a sour cream container, what did my eyes behold but a pepper shaker from yesteryear. Yep! Still had pepper on the lid. Pulling every container and lid from yon cabinet did not reveal the wife to the set. Apparently she had left the pepper of her youth for better digs.

Bummer.

Tossing all the unmatching lids and tubs back to their home of discontent, Mr. Pepper was elevated to a better position. It’s hard enough losing one’s mate. But being relegated to the far reaches of a cupboard behind lowly yogurt and Cool Whip containers when one is used to being the crème de la crème called Tupperware is unthinkable. Now he stood proudly ahead of the crowd hoping for better days. Still, he was not brought out and made useful as he would surely look a little odd standing in the middle of the table all alone.

“Where’s the salt?” people would question. What answer could he possibly give that wouldn’t be painfully awkward? I was sure he’d rather just hide in the cabinet. His one consolation was that at least now he stood in front of the throngs of mismatched Tupperware wannabes.

Then lo and behold a Christmas miracle occurred. My sister was digging through one of her highest kitchen cabinets most likely looking for the lid to a butter tub, when out of the back rolled something odd.

“Hey Lynna. Haven’t you been looking for Tupperware shakers for Jason? Here’s one, but I have no idea where the other got to.” There she stood all long and tall, a silver “S” upon her chest, as lovely as the day she met him! (Mrs. Salt … not my sister)

What had come between them that sent each to such different worlds? How had she lived without him so long? From the depths of her soul she heard Peaches & Herb singing a hopeful song.

Yes, Christmas came early this year for my nephew Jason. For Mr. and Mrs. Pepper too (she decided to take his name this time) as once again they are a couple. Standing proudly together they serve side by side. No more hiding. No more awkward questions. Just happy hearts together for at last they are “Reunited and it feels so good!”