Once upon a time, not so long ago–in fact it was yesterday–George came home sniffling with a cold. All through dinner he blew his nose and expressed several times how very tired he felt. Perhaps he’d go to bed early, he said. Oh, and since he’d probably have to blow his nose a lot, and would no doubt snore excessively, he decided to sleep in Luke’s bed. So as not to disturb my rest. What a sweetheart.
Around 8:30 he said good-night and shut the door. Jacob retired around 10:00. I read until 11:30ish and then snuggled into the covers.
This morning I awoke and glanced at the clock. Almost 8:00, and not a sound in the house. I almost wondered if George and Jacob had gone somewhere, but no–Jacob shuffled out of bed a couple minutes later. The door to Luke’s room was still closed. Wow, I thought. George must really be sick to sleep this late. I tiptoed around the kitchen, trying not to disturb him as I prepared breakfast for Jacob and me.
Around 8:30 I was sitting at the table reading the paper when I heard a door open. He’s getting up at last, I thought. I glanced toward the doorway where I expected George to appear, but he didn’t emerge from the direction of Luke’s room. He’d entered the back door. When he came into view he shot me a sheepish sort of grin. Then, before I had a chance to speak, someone else stepped up beside him.
I startled and stared in amazement. The word “speechless” seldom applies to me, but for a few seconds I was struck dumb with complete confusion. There in the doorway, eyes twinkling with merriment, stood Grace.
“Wha’ . . . How . . . What are you doing here?!” I finally managed to blurt. Then I jumped up, hugged her, and listened to the whole story. She and George had been plotting this for a week. He’d found a good flight rate, called her, and suggested she come home for Thanksgiving. The flight arrived in Dallas at 5:30 this morning. So George arose at 2:30 last night, slipped out, drove 3 hours to DFW, picked her up, and they came straight back here. She’s home for a whole week. (Yes, Luke, I know how hard this is for you. I thought of your disappointment immediately, if that helps at all.)
We’ll decorate the house for Christmas and spend Thanksgiving with relatives. I’m especially pleased she’ll have this time with George and Jacob, because she’ll see me and Luke over Christmas, but not them.
George is so happy his surprise succeeded. He said he’s had butterflies in his stomach all week imagining my delight. George amazes me all the time, so it’s quite a feat for him to blow me out of the water. A whole week to drink in Grace’s presence–to laugh with her, talk about life, prepare yummy dinners, shop for Christmas–yeah, I’d say the water and I have parted ways for quite a while.
This week it will be turkey, dressing, and all the fixings. But I’ll mostly be feasting my eyes on my beautiful daughter. And definitely giving thanks.
Happy Thanksgiving!
The End
im glad you think of my disappointment… so i’ll uhm just sit here in chicago in the cold and then i don’t know maybe go up to wisconsin where it is even colder and maybe go swimming and think about the coldness of the water mirrors the coldness in my heart… something like that…
tell grace i love her, and think she is cute. if it wasn’t a sin i would be jealous of every one of you.
l.l
im glad you think of my disappointment… so i’ll uhm just sit here in chicago in the cold and then i don’t know maybe go up to wisconsin where it is even colder and maybe go swimming and think about the coldness of the water mirrors the coldness in my heart… something like that…
tell grace i love her, and think she is cute. if it wasn’t a sin i would be jealous of every one of you.
l.l
im glad you think of my disappointment… so i’ll uhm just sit here in chicago in the cold and then i don’t know maybe go up to wisconsin where it is even colder and maybe go swimming and think about the coldness of the water mirrors the coldness in my heart… something like that…
tell grace i love her, and think she is cute. if it wasn’t a sin i would be jealous of every one of you.
l.l
from relevantgirlie
I like how you ended the story with a clever “the end.”
What a great surprise! And George is a great surpriser! Hooray for George!
Poor Luke! I hope you don’t get frostbitten toes!
Hi Grace. The kids still talk about you!
from relevantgirlie
I like how you ended the story with a clever “the end.”
What a great surprise! And George is a great surpriser! Hooray for George!
Poor Luke! I hope you don’t get frostbitten toes!
Hi Grace. The kids still talk about you!
from relevantgirlie
I like how you ended the story with a clever “the end.”
What a great surprise! And George is a great surpriser! Hooray for George!
Poor Luke! I hope you don’t get frostbitten toes!
Hi Grace. The kids still talk about you!
Once Upon 2:30 A.M…
This is the BEST thanksgiving story I’ve ever read! Thank all of you for being the kind of people who could live this story into existence. Katy Raymond
Once Upon 2:30 A.M…
This is the BEST thanksgiving story I’ve ever read! Thank all of you for being the kind of people who could live this story into existence. Katy Raymond
Once Upon 2:30 A.M…
This is the BEST thanksgiving story I’ve ever read! Thank all of you for being the kind of people who could live this story into existence. Katy Raymond
Re: from relevantgirlie
Mary!
It was bittersweet to be in France again and not see all of you. Do the kids still have the same email addresses? Do they check them? If so, I’d like to send them a note. Your kids are awesome. Your family is awesome. YOU are awesome. I still reflect fondly on our time together… painting your house, the frustration with learning French, the ripped pants from heaving your kids over the fence. Ah, yes. Life is beautiful. La vie est belle. (I’m just guessing on that!)
Re: from relevantgirlie
Mary!
It was bittersweet to be in France again and not see all of you. Do the kids still have the same email addresses? Do they check them? If so, I’d like to send them a note. Your kids are awesome. Your family is awesome. YOU are awesome. I still reflect fondly on our time together… painting your house, the frustration with learning French, the ripped pants from heaving your kids over the fence. Ah, yes. Life is beautiful. La vie est belle. (I’m just guessing on that!)
Re: from relevantgirlie
Mary!
It was bittersweet to be in France again and not see all of you. Do the kids still have the same email addresses? Do they check them? If so, I’d like to send them a note. Your kids are awesome. Your family is awesome. YOU are awesome. I still reflect fondly on our time together… painting your house, the frustration with learning French, the ripped pants from heaving your kids over the fence. Ah, yes. Life is beautiful. La vie est belle. (I’m just guessing on that!)
So, yeah, Mr. I’m-So-Cold. It was a WONDERFUL surprise to have you home and hug you and hear you sing and watch you eat turkey, though I am slightly alarmed at how good you and your dad are at lying.
Thanks for making the long drive. Can’t wait to see you again in a few short weeks.
Love, M.
So, yeah, Mr. I’m-So-Cold. It was a WONDERFUL surprise to have you home and hug you and hear you sing and watch you eat turkey, though I am slightly alarmed at how good you and your dad are at lying.
Thanks for making the long drive. Can’t wait to see you again in a few short weeks.
Love, M.
So, yeah, Mr. I’m-So-Cold. It was a WONDERFUL surprise to have you home and hug you and hear you sing and watch you eat turkey, though I am slightly alarmed at how good you and your dad are at lying.
Thanks for making the long drive. Can’t wait to see you again in a few short weeks.
Love, M.
Re: from relevantgirlie
Oh, yes. “The End” is quite original. Except it wasn’t the end, as “the rest of the story” reveals.
Our holiday was magnifique indeed! And don’t worry too much about Luke’s toes. As it turns out, he’s as good a liar/surpriser as his dad. 🙂
Love you.
J.
Re: from relevantgirlie
Oh, yes. “The End” is quite original. Except it wasn’t the end, as “the rest of the story” reveals.
Our holiday was magnifique indeed! And don’t worry too much about Luke’s toes. As it turns out, he’s as good a liar/surpriser as his dad. 🙂
Love you.
J.
Re: from relevantgirlie
Oh, yes. “The End” is quite original. Except it wasn’t the end, as “the rest of the story” reveals.
Our holiday was magnifique indeed! And don’t worry too much about Luke’s toes. As it turns out, he’s as good a liar/surpriser as his dad. 🙂
Love you.
J.
Re: Once Upon 2:30 A.M…
Aw, thanks Katy.
I enjoyed catching up on your blog entries today. You tell wonderful stories, so I’m pleased to know you liked mine. 🙂
Love, Jeanne
Re: Once Upon 2:30 A.M…
Aw, thanks Katy.
I enjoyed catching up on your blog entries today. You tell wonderful stories, so I’m pleased to know you liked mine. 🙂
Love, Jeanne
Re: Once Upon 2:30 A.M…
Aw, thanks Katy.
I enjoyed catching up on your blog entries today. You tell wonderful stories, so I’m pleased to know you liked mine. 🙂
Love, Jeanne