In this renewed series of blog posts, I’ve given myself permission to do things I never would have done before. I’ve posted pictures from the seasons that have passed, I’ve posted pictures that have nothing to do with the post just because I liked the picture, and today I’m posting blurry, unedited phone pictures because I don’t want them to be buried in the unending scroll.
It’s likely that this Thanksgiving will be one of my all time, record-breaking, favorite Thanksgivings of all time.
Nate came home from Christendom College and my oldest daughter surprised me and came home, too! Oh, there were smiles for days!
The little ones bring the mystery of the holidays alive with their innocence and the sparkle in their eyes.
But to have adult children come home is unexplainable. The honor of cooking their favorite meal and excitement of planning an outing to a favorite place becomes a joy, rather than a chore. It sheds a new perspective on childhood moments, fleeting time, and knowing glances.
Nothing seems urgent, except the desire to soak up every laugh, every story, and every hug.
A few years ago, I asked my grandmother what she wanted to do over Christmas break with the kids. She smiled and said, “Oh honey, I just want to sit and watch them.” She leaned back in her recliner with a sigh and a smile.
I now understand. In the middle of the day, after schedules return to normal and no one is home, I can take a minute to rewind. When I sit in my chair by the fireplace, I can see my oldest two in the kitchen – doing the dishes after dinner and turning up the music to belt out the harmonies they’ve created from long car rides together. My children bring their toys from their rooms so they can play near everyone. I can see Riley hugging Murphy on the couch. I can see my husband standing across the room and smiling when he catches my eye.
So, if you have the chance this holiday to surprise someone – with a visit, a phone call, flowers, or a note – go for it!
