I passed the time preparing things to eat, waiting for that West Jet flight to come down low over our back yard. Obviously it took a different route, because I was still watching the sky, when suddenly the menfolk were getting out of the truck in the garage, and all I took note of was the giant grin on Ben's face.
Did I already say that the sun was out? We sat out on the patio with pizza, fresh salsa, corn chips, papaya and cookies, like we were on a vacation. He told stories about life in their small town and bragged on Kari's cooking. Oh, and does my boy know I like details . . . . like what Lacey did when he left and what she said and . . . could he tell me again?
Having him at the table and observing his mannerisms made me realize how much I miss him, but it comes with the wonderful fact that he is a husband and a daddy, and I would not change a thing about that.
Early evening the three of us loaded the car with balloons and cake and headed to Milestones for the surprise party to be held in honor or our longest standing employee, Glen, retiring after 44 years of service. His first boss, who started the business, was one of the guests, along with present office staff, installers and spouses. Glen's wife managed to get him to the venue totally oblivious to who was all going to be there waiting for him, and this made it even more fun. It was wonderful to be able to surprise him and see him enjoy the attention of an evening given to him. The fact that Ben, who has known him all of his life and worked with him for ten years, came out - meant a lot to him too.
In the wee hours of the morning, he was gone again . . . with his bag extended to full capacity. And in the end, I just enjoyed the thought of how happy his three girls would be to see him again and maybe help him unpack that bag.
12 comments:
So glad that you had some son time! I'm preparing to say goodbye to my Ben too....but only for a week while he goes off to camp. :-)
LOVE the new header pic!!
I've heard Saskatoon is a wonderful Prairie city, so great to raise a family in. Big enough to have choice, small enough to still be connected to tradition, in all the tangible ways the count and often become only a memory in a metropolis.
Sharon
I felt just a tad teary reading this Anneliese. I can imagine it all ...including the smiles on all of your faces. Oh it is so wonderful that there is a happy greeting on both sides of the plane ride.
PS...I love your new template and summer header photo!
So awesome that you were able to enjoy the sun and your son on the same day! Sounds like you had a great day! And I second Lovella's comment...I love, love, love your new template and header photo!
Sweet! Glad you had a wonderful time and stuffed that luggage! Blessings...
Aww so glad the son came out and the sun too! Love how you anticipated his arrival and what a sweet grammie to stuff that luggage! Great surprise retirement party too - to honour a long serving employee and friend!
It is sad that kids grow up. But then, we are so proud of them when they do. My youngest son is a wonderful husband and a great Daddy and I love to watch him interact with his little girl. He's young, only 21, but he's always been an old soul. Wise beyond his years. He started making his own spending money before he was 2 and went into business for himself at 13 so he grew up FAST. But, I am so proud of the man he has become.
I too love the new header picture and the template gives such a soft and feminine look to your page (much like who you are).
Yes it is such a joy to see our sons grow up to be Daddys and see how they find a special way to interact and build relationship with their children. I loved too to hear how he boasted about his wife's cooking. There are no sweeter words to a mom than hearing her son praise his wife.
What a special day this was!
Visits from far away grown children are sacred times. Employees who serve a company for half a normal lifespan is a blessing...and now days quite a miracle!
Wondering how often you get to Sas to visit your son's family. Not often enough to suit your longing I imagine.
What a treat...having the son (and the sun) come out, even for a short while! I can imagine Ben having help unpacking his bag when he got home.
Post a Comment