How I love these beautiful boys of mine.
One arrived from Japan on Wednesday of last week with his wife and son. The other the next day. They had not seen each other for four years. The Uncle had never met his nephew. I hope I never forget the looks on their faces when they all saw each other.
My youngest returns to Nashville tomorrow. Just five days, after four years. They've been peaceful days with leisurely breakfasts, trips to the park, time with the extended family and impromptu drum circles with drop-in friends.
Through it all, I've been so delighted with these gentle men I've raised. Kind, thoughtful and patient. My grandson is not quite three. Bright and brave, he is willing to try just about anything new (although he wants support when he climbs high, just like his Grandma). Like his father (and Grandma and uncle) he appears already to be a human metronome, and already has extremely good, if not perfect, pitch. He is affectionate and funny with just a touch of two-year-old temper that he wields rarely (probably because it is so ineffectual.)
I'm trying to focus on the many adventures coming up with the Japan family, who will be with us nearly a month. I'm trying really hard not to allow visions of my goodbyes to intrude, but since one happens tomorrow - and I have no way of knowing when I will hold that child again - I am easily broken. LAX tomorrow. No predicting how long it will take me to get myself safely on the road up the coast again.
These happy times will do much to hold me.
