March 13th, 2017

The guest room is empty once again.  All our guests are gone, back to their real lives. The house feels too big and very empty. It's all very sad. I am quite certain that the fact that's it's cloudy and gloomy and rainy today isn't a coincidence.

You've heard that old saying I'm sure that claims, "Fish and guests stink after 3 days".  I'm thinking, if you believe that to be true, you haven't had the pleasure of the company of our guests.

We already miss them.  Maybe that is an indication of how much we care about these people.

Anyone who has experienced their kids growing up and moving away gets it.   It's the natural way of things. It's how it's supposed to happen with our children. Our job, as parents, is to create strong, capable, independent adults.  When they can confidently grow up and move away and create their own lives without you, you know you have done your job well.  Then when they choose to spend time with you, it's like a gift.  It means, they not only love you, they like you too.

It's not exactly the same thing with close friends.  That relationship was built with the intention of never leaving; never creating a life away from each other. But it happens that sometimes  on or the other of you does  move away.  And if you can maintain that friendship at a long distance, now that is another accomplishment worthy of note!

And then, when you get together again for a visit, and it feels as if no time has passed?  That is special.

So today is a thank you to our kids and our friends who just visited and have returned back home.  Thank you. For Everything.  Hope to see you again , very soon.

For anyone else considering visiting?  Guest Room is empty, just sayin'