Friday, June 15, 2012

While sitting in the stands and breathing red dust, I looked toward the dugout where Austin and Cole were sitting and noticed a sign that read, “visitors.” The irony of the word stood out and I punched Mandy on the arm and pointed to the sign. We both smiled at each other.

I thought about the guests that have visited my home, and of the homes I have visited. Driving or flying sometimes for long distances to visit others. It’s not enough to talk on the phone, email, or even Skype; as humans, most of us desire the one on one connection we feel when we see each other and share stories while in person. The stories we hear and the expressions we see on another’s face when they laugh or cry are feelings that will last a life time. I like to laugh.

Melissa laughed the other day until she cried when telling a story about Jeff, her husband, using the bathroom and forgetting to flush the toilet. Cole went into the bathroom shortly afterward and shouted, “Hey Dad, you pooped out an N.” I laughed until I cried too. In this family, stories have to be retold; so I called Mom and told her about Cole’s findings. She replied in an approving manner by saying, “Well… Dr. Oz says you are supposed to poop out an S.” Oh goodness, the stories we tell…and retell.

Melissa, Austin, and Cole visited today providing yet another day full of laughter.

Arnold visited for a while and asked if Loretta, her friend, and Nathan could swim tomorrow. I assured him this would be fine.

Today however; 4 visitors,174 in all