Last night Sophia called me on my way home from work as she does every Tuesday and Thursday night when I teach my ESL class. She was telling me that our dog Izzy is always asleep at 9:30 when she calls but as soon as she gets on the phone with me, Izzy goes to the window and waits for me. She then went on to explain how nice it is to have Izzy, who is always happy to see you. Sophia explained that she went for a bike ride while I was at work and when she got home, Steve and Alexander said "Hi," but Izzy ran up to her and was so happy to see her. She said, "Isn't it nice that even if you are only gone for a short time, she is always happy to see you when you come home?" It is true, Izzy makes us feel like we are the greatest thing in the world, even if we leave for only a short time and come back home. It feels like a parade is being held in your honor after a long trip away.
What Sophia doesn't realize is that she also makes me feel that way. I have been working evenings for seven years now. For about the last three years, Sophia has called me every night at 9:30 to chat as I drive home. When I get into the neighborhood, we hang up and depending on the weather, I find Sophia and Izzy waiting for me either in the doorway or on the porch. Sophia always has a huge smile on her face when I pull up and half the time is jumping up and down in excitement. When I need something positive to focus on, it is always that smile. It is so sincere. When I pull up in the driveway, I feel like the luckiest person to be loved so much. She is always genuinely happy to see me. There is no greater thing than to come home after an evening at work and know you have been truly missed.
Her smile is simple, yet it relaxes me, it brings enjoyment to me and most of all, it gives me reason to keep healing.
What a beautiful post. You are lucky to have such wonderful kids, and your kids are lucky to have such a wonderful mother.
ReplyDeleteAbout the dog, I know exactly what you mean. I can step out for five minutes and as soon as I come back, my three dogs greet me as if I've been gone forever.
Cathy, we are so blessed aren't we? My grandchildren are the same way. I worked Friday so Papa picked them up from school and took them for their Friday treat. I was just walking up our sidewalk when they turned the corner and I could here them shouting, Ranny's home, Ranny's home! These are the things I live for!
ReplyDeleteI have just found your blog via LivingRheum. I have 3 auto immune conditions including psoriatic arthritis which is like rhuematoid. I also choose not to take immune suppressants any more as they caused more trouble. I do have a lot of damage but am trying to cope. My blog is not just about my conditions but about my family too, they bring me much joy . I'd like to return to yours and read through some of your posts soon please!
ReplyDelete