One Who Stayed Behind

As I look out from my kitchen sink window, 

I see the most heart warming picture.

This boy, born eighteen years ago and whisked overseas as a newborn,

is part of our lives now.

Time has a way of sneaking up on us

when days are long, but years are short.

I think of first really getting to know him when he was already walking;

 a few years later, quickly reading one more book before heading  out to the airport,

and tears (his tears) because he woke up on the plane and 

realized he'd been sleeping when we hugged goodbye.

Those 2 am flights.

I think of the parcels sent, 

 exotic river trips to watch for orangutans

and delicious food wrapped in banana leaves.

I also think of missed family gatherings,

 time difference calculations,

long awaited furloughs

 and Christmas in July.

And now he's here,

"Papa, can I come and help you in the yard"

or "Grammy, I have some laundry ..."

And we enjoy a good meal,

and his dimpled smile is still the one

of that little boy that we've watched grow up from a distance.

How we love him!