Time with loved ones is my favorite thing. It is filling and satisfying in the deepest places, and continues giving in the memories it creates and the investment it makes in that most precious of possessions--a relationship.
Amy and Jen came for Christmas. I wish I'd been a fly on the wall when, during the Zeigenfuse Christmas, the stretch limo pulled up to take all 14 of them to the airport to pick up Amy, who was flying in from Portland. Then I wish I'd been a fly on the wall at BWI when Jen waltzed across the baggage claim to surprise everyone (except Amy, the only family member in the know) by coming from New Zealand. (I think somewhere in those many hours & time zones between NZ and the USA, Jen had nearly two full days of Christmas!)
Two days later they came to spend an afternoon at our house, sitting around the table, eating oranges, telling life's inevitable stories, and trying to balance the desire Alan and I had to spend time with them (talking) and the desire Evelyn had to spend time with them (playing games, barbies, etc.--anything but talking!) What a GIFT from two friends who have a lot of relationships to nurture when they come here from far away. We felt so rich and honored! (Of course, Evelyn was NOT in the mood for having her picture taken, hence the upside-down-kid with kicking, blurred feet. Amelia was napping pretty much the whole time, as it was the start of our long and still-continued battle with germs.)
Thank you, friends, for the gifts of yourselves! As years past prove, you're very good at it. :)
1 comment:
hey tina! great chatting w/you. i have added a new post because of your encouragement to write.
keep talking about real things. i believe that you're a person who could impact a lot of lives because you are real=)
hope to see your face soon=)
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