We celebrated Sunday night and almost all of Monday.
The two of them brought much-needed light into my life. On Monday, I felt better than I had in weeks.
Their goal was clear: To do whatever they could to make my life easier. I didn’t know about it or expect anything other than their company and conversation.
After taking a few things upstairs (something I used to be quite capable of doing myself, thank you very much), we brought in some food, ate, and talked. I passed around pictures I had printed for the upcoming celebration of life for my hubby and oldest son.
Have you ever watched someone as they look through photos, studying their faces, the expression in their eyes as a memory suddenly unfolds inside them? It’s a wondrous thing, to see that spark- the hint of a tear.
What touched the heart of my youngest son was a photo of him and his dad at the Prime Quarter in Princeton. They were cooking our steaks, and whatever the conversation was, those two were obviously enjoying themselves. Their smiles said it all. And that evening, years ago on a cold, late December evening, came rushing back on a warm July afternoon. I watched, too, as my son held photos of his big brother, the brother he hasn’t seen in over 20 years.
The next day, my son and his girlfriend decided it was time for a new air conditioner. After a short trip, they arrived back with a more robust unit, and plans for more improvement. The air conditioner was installed and from the get-go, we could feel the difference. Along with that, they’d bought a pedestal fan that moved the cool air around the rooms. (Don’t tell them, but that combo was so effective, it caused my furnace to come on. I’ve fixed that little problem.)
Some comfy chairs were moved around and now serve useful purposes. A curtain was hung in a doorway to confine the new cool air.And the two of them took advantage of the comfy front and back porches when they wanted to sit outside and take a peaceful break.
We dined on pizza, a lovely breakfast from my favorite restaurant, and before they left, we thoroughly enjoyed delicious Mexican cuisine. This is as close as I get to traveling the world, and it’s more than fine with me.
I’ve had the chance once again to relax in my “library” at sunrise, and to ease late-night pain in a chair meant to do just that. I have new memories to file away for future reflection, and I thank God for that.
It’s early evening on the Fourth, and I just got a text that they’ve arrived in their home state. They’ll be heading home, and I miss them so much. Still, they brought the light of their love here for a couple of days and that’s what I’ll remember.
Enjoy your family, your friends. It’s more important than you know.
