After a long road trip, we are finally home in Tucson, in the heat and happy to be here. Today is Sunday and as tradition has it, we met Sara and Steve, Ben, Jake and Emma at church. Our timing was perfect as Patti pulled the PT Cruiser into the parking lot right behind their soccer-van. We can always tell it is them because of the little white figures stuck to the back window representing the dad, mom, one little boy and one baby. The window is a little behind time as the family has grown; one of these days we will update the scene.
Patti found a parking place nearly up front while the kids were maybe two or three rows behind but straight behind us. When I got out of the passenger side Steve was holding the boys back because he did not want them to run out in front of any cars but as soon as the coast was clear, he let them go with a loud “go give grandpa a hug”. Sometimes the best part of life comes in little bits and this particular moment was one of those. I charged the boys and met them half way with a group hug and a few tickles. Steve was right behind with a grown up hug and a welcome back. It has been three weeks since Patti and I have seen any of them.
Sara was still behind the van, taking Emma from her car seat. The boys have already left me and moved on to greet their grandma as I walk over to help Sara with Emma. When Emma saw me, she started to smile, which made me very glad – Patti and I have not been forgotten. In my excitement to take Emma, I forget to give Sara a hug and Steve mentions that to me later. I carried Emma to the nursery and most of the way she looks intently upon my face not exactly knowing whether to smile of be concerned. She remembers me or at least she thinks she does but before long she’ll be confident that grandpa is fun and kick, talk and smile as always. She is really happy to see her grandma and laughs out loud while kicking up a storm. It is fun to be home in Tucson, even in the heat, when you have such fun people to hang with.
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