Nameless Teddy, Elkie and Michael's blue hat sat on my steps one day not so long ago. I snapped the photo as it reminded me that a special child was abiding in my house and I wanted to remember our time together.
Days passed by so very quickly during his visit. There was so much activity as Michael and his mommy and daddy (my son) came and went and most of all, shared themselves with us. Great conversations flowed, advice was given and received, laughter and thoughts were shared as we joined together for our annual coming together. Other family members also rekindled relationships as children and adults gathered for a long-planned family reunion. The newest member of the family, Mr. W., just weeks old, took center stage as we once again gathered around the table and opened our hearts to each other.
Michael, owner of the items pictured above, became the center of my world during the time that he was here. Almost three, beautiful and smart, I embraced the amazing child he had become. I found joy in his every action. His little voice and remarkable language skills added so much to my life. I enjoyed watching him play and loved playing with him. I loved having him fall asleep on my lap. I enjoyed being reminded of his daddy at this age. His every wish was my command. Yes, of course, I spoiled him and loved him every single minute he was in my house.
I've been reflective since Michael and his mommy and daddy left. But, I cherish the time we had together and look forward to the continued love we will share through the years ahead. I know I will feel their love time and time again as we skype and make plans for future visits and maybe even adventures together. I feel their love whenever I think of them and I believe they feel the same about me. In my goodbye to them there was hope, knowing our separation was only temporary.
Love is so amazing, so profound. It allows us to experience and understand every other emotion. Love reflects love. It is the presence of all good things and in that, it allows us to understand why we need each other. Love is the reason my goodbye to Michael hurt so much. It is the price I pay to have him and every other person I care about in my life. The fullness of love is complete only when we realize the price we pay to willingly open ourselves to all the goodbyes in life.
I know too that a little boy living in a faraway country has just a little bit of his grandma in him as he goes about his busy day. I know also that this grandma has a little different and fuller look at life because she carries new memories of this little boy in her heart. Our love transcends time and space. And I'm oh so glad for that.
Towards the end of our visit when I told Michael I would be so sad to see him go that I might even cry, he told me repeatedly, "Don't be sad Grandma. Don't cry. Be happy Grandma".
And so the time came that we drove to the airport and said our goodbyes. I am trying to be happy now Michael. Thank you for being you and for coming for a visit. Thank you for your words of encouragement and for loving me.
