~ December Dancing ~

A "milestone" of sorts ~ An ordinary event ~ A Mother's Sweet Dance ...

My daughter returned home last night, after exactly 3 months of studying abroad.  Out of the country.  Out of my telephone reach.  I had not heard her voice for 3 months.  Truly exhilerating to pick her up from the airport!  During her time away, she turned 21 ... legal drinking age.

My oldest son is 22, almost 23. 

I have had a wish, a dream, of such a simple event for a couple years.  An "ordinary" event?  Maybe, for those who take life's special moments for granted.  My vision was to sit down at a table, in an establishment other than our home, and drink with my legalized children.  Just mom and her children.  

I was granted that dream last night!!  My oldest son met my daughter and I at a "booze, blues, n barbecue" establishment ... and for 3 1/2 hours, the three of us indulged in good food, great conversation and laughter, a little booze and incredible time together.  

Many "dances" in my heart in just this one little event ... my daughter back at home ~ my son willing to meet his mother and sister on a Saturday night ~ everyone legal to indulge ~ the interaction between siblings now adults (here, my heart raced as I watched them converse through the window, as I puffed down a cigarette outside) ~ the feeling that we actually wanted to be together ~ the uninhibited laughter ~ the sharing and catching up on each of their busy lives ~ the knowing that each of them is in a place where their desires and passion is actually unfolding before them ~ the questions / responses of caring about these lives ~ the eye contact ~ the incredible, comfortable, intense, overpowering security of family and completeness.  

I already savor last night.  Our time has been imprinted into my heart ... to carry and cherish.  

There's more.  My 15 year old son needed a ride home from a friend's house.  He called my 19 year old son who was coming home to spend the night, since I was out with the two oldest.  He did that on his own.  Which means he felt comfortable enough with older brother to ask for a ride home on a Saturday night.  I was unaware of that newly formed bond.  As all of this took place in text messages ... I actually paused for a moment to smile at the realization of how "growing up" changes us ... and to fill up for a moment on the swell of pride.  To thank God for the bond of siblings.  When my daughter and I arrived home, the two younger boys were just pulling in ... and the four of us walked into our home (my youngest son is the only one still 'living' at home) together.  We were greeted by our two doggies ... who danced also and seemed, for a short time, confused at the number of people! :)  Then, the four of us talked of our day and plans for the next day for a while.     

Not just another ordinary night.  Another event.  Rather, an EXTRAORDINARY night as yet another "milestone" passed.  A mother's sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet dance.  A dream and a wish realized. 

~ Dancing in December ... xoxoxo