“I love you,” I murmured into my son’s chest, his 6’4″ frame wrapped around me. Lanky and strong he held me tight, “I’ll miss you, mom” he said. He bounded out the back door, his long legs taking the steps two at a time, such a familiar gait, and headed for the car. And then he was gone.
This visit was brief, all too quick. Home for a wedding of a dear high school friend, Alec arrived on Wednesday and left on Sunday. He’d gotten in later than planned after a bus snafu in Chicago. “I hate wasting time,” he’d explained, working through his frustration.
He doesn’t waste time. A precious commodity, he fills his time not with unnecessary busy-ness but rather with depth and connection with people he loves. I am blessed to be one of these. And I think it makes me miss him even more as he leaves our embrace to head back to Sydney, Australia, his home for the last three years. “It’s just so far away, Alec!” I say and he nods, hugging me, “I know,” he says.
But this is what I raised my kids to do–to be world citizens. To walk gently and bravely in the world with curiosity and they do. And through the missing them, I admire and celebrate their spirit.
And I soak them in when they are around. This weekend I had a good dose of both of them. My daughter Maddie, joined us from Chicago so they could bask in each other’s presence. We spent time with my mother, their grandma, watching the full moon rise. My rain gauge is full of their contagious spirits, infectious laughter, their overflowing love. And I am richer for it.
It doesn’t make me miss them less but it does fill my soul like a tonic until we are together again.
One Response
Hi there! Beautiful. I love the way you hold family in so many ways.
Speaking of that, I think you are leaving soon. Have a great time. And, would you be willing to share Maddie’s email address? I thought I had it but I don’t. I want to reach out about a German woman coming to Chicago in the Spring.
Thanks,
Wint
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