I was in mid sentence when Sue looked out the window and exclaimed… “There she is!!!” I jumped up, pulled my mask on as I ran out the door and into the waiting arms of my baby. My 31-year-old baby, but still…she’ll always be my baby! We hung onto each other for the longest time…feeling that familiar heartbeat next to mine…smelling her hair…feeling her hands on my back. I haven’t seen Daughter #2 since August 3rd, 2019. Way, WAY too long. I was greatly relieved that she was feeling well. She looks wonderful. She’s happy, healthy, and thriving. What more could a mother want?!?!
We sat and talked for hours. Everyone kind of went about their business and left us alone to visit. The kind of easy conversation we’ve always had between us. It’s wonderful to talk to your adult children and learn more about who they have become. What they’re into now. What they like. What they’ve set aside. Their beliefs and values. She’s returning today with her wife, whom I’ve also not seen since the wedding. Maybe we’ll go do something. Maybe we’ll just sit and visit. Whatever we do, its always easy and fun and memorable.
When she finally left for home, I fixed supper for the four of us. I hadn’t made stir-fry in quite some time so I used some of the veggies fresh from Ben’s garden. Mr. FixIt went for a long walk earlier in the day so he was ready to tuck into some of my home cooking. I love when he compliments my food. After supper, we sat around and visited. Ben and Sue are so easy to be around and we always feel at home here. Daughter #1 and family were off doing their own thing yesterday but we’ll see each other soon.
As the sun was sinking low in the west, I walked out after supper and took a picture of Ben’s dahlia’s. They are stunning! I’ve never grown them, so I think next year I need to invest in some tubers. While the day was certainly hot, the nights are quite pleasant and we have truly enjoyed sleeping in the camper out by the garden. I awoke at 4:00am yesterday morning to the sound of a train whistle off in the distance. It brought me back to the first year after losing Mr. Virgo. I spent a good deal of time down here in Denver with my first little camper, parked in exactly this spot. You know how some sounds or smells take you right back to a particular moment in time? That’s what the train did. I could feel the tightness in my chest, the inability to take in a deep breath, the long, long hours stretched before me as I grieved. I couldn’t help but compare where I am today to where I was this time in 2013. It’s the difference between night and day. A whole new life. Sometimes, it’s hard to believe I lived through that. But here I am…here WE are.
Life is a mystery, isn’t it? It can be so difficult and painful. And it can be so incredibly beautiful and sweet. The past has taught me many things…not the least of which is to cherish the little, simple moments of life. The hug of a grown child. The smell of teriyaki stir-fry. The delicate petals of a perfect dahlia. The laughter of easy friendship. And the hug of an appreciative spouse who loves me to the moon and back.
The feelings are quite mutual.
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“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.””
John 13:34-35 ESV