She arrived Thursday night via Amtrak. Traveling alone. Now in her third year at college. Time flowing like water.
Tall black boots. Long hair hanging free down her back. Carrying a black duffle. Walking with a quiet confidence. She’s pivoted following the summer internship in Manhattan. A bridge she’s crossed. A new found self awareness…I can play. I can hold my own. Her grades have popped up, even raising her own eyebrows.
Zeke’s nose recognizes someone familiar in the dark. Then it hits him. Rachel! His entire body writhing with wiggles…he smothers her with kisses.
She crawls under the comforter and assumes her position on the couch. Her couch.
The mood has turned in the house. Like a warm fire softly cackling in the background. Like Thanksgiving with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and pumpkin filling the house. Like Christmas Eve with carols softly playing in background. Like tucking your feet in warm cozy slippers.
Oh, the delicious comfort of family. Of children.
Rachel is home.
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Live & Learn 
Oh, David, this is beautiful. Have you written this?
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Thank you so much Marion. Yes. My children inspire me…
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You must love them very much 🙂
My son is also home for the weekend, he left home in August to study at the university of Maastricht, here in Holland.
I hope you get inspired many times, I’m waiting for the book…
Have a nice and warm weekend,
Marion
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You’ve made my day (weekend) Marion. Thank you for the kind words and the inspiration. Enjoy your weekend with your Son.
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Nothing like beginning the day crying into my coffee. I get it and am filled with joy for you, Susan, Zeke – and Rachel (I picture under the comforter). Life is at its best. Full stop.
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Me too Mimi. Me too. I was doing the same as I was writing it. Couldn’t stop. Thank you.
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Have a wonderful weekend – my hunch is that it already is.
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What a beautiful paean to a much-loved child! And how wonderful for you as a parent to see her confidence flowering. Enjoy your weekend, David! 🙂
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Thank you Lori. You too…
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What a lovely tribute to your daughter and your family. Enjoy every minute! Weekend visits in college are special for EVERYONE involved…
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Thank you Todd.
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Awe 🙂
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🙂 You have a long runway to get to this period of your life…enjoy the ride pal.
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Feelings into words. You nailed this one. I felt the comfort, pride and love right there with you! Perfection.
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Thank you.
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I have experienced the same…just think however, what it is like with four, eighty pound Black Labs..!!
Enjoy…savor…file it away in indelible memory.
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Four 80 lb black labs. That would be a mauling. 🙂 Thanks Ray. Will do.
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There is nothing like the unconditional love of a father. Rachel will treasure seeing and hearing your words. No wonder she walks with an air of confidence. You have given her a strong and secure foundation. Both of you are very blessed. Have a blessed time together making more memories.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
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Thanks Francine. I appreciate your kinds words and thoughts very much. We are blessed.
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Awwwwww…..
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🙂
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Welcome home, Rachel!
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I’ll pass that along Gretchen. Thanks.
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This brought tears to my eyes. A lovely tribute.
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Thanks you Brenna.
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Oh yeah David I know exactly what you are talking about. My son and his fiancé came home last night to stay for the weekend, it has been 5 months since his last visit….wonderful feeling!
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It is Tina. It is…
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Beautiful!!
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Thanks Maralee.
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I LOVE that!!!!!!
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🙂 Thanks Carol
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Awesome!
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Thank you George.
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Sweet and true — shared.
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Thanks Frank
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Happy for you. Enjoy your time with your daughter.
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Thanks Anneli
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I love it David…she’s lucky to have you for a dad!
Savor your weekend, though I know you are.
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Thank you Bonnie
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Behind today on your blogs. Busy day with soccer for boys and transplant reunion. Reading this one at end of day makes you realize to soak up all the moments you can. Thanks Dave for another moving piece and enjoy the weekend with Rachel.
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Thanks Lorne.
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Awww…now i know how my father would have felt when I visited my parents over weekends during college 15 years ago. He is not expressive but when he is, I am overwhelmed :). Thanks for penning down father’s feelings.
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Thank you for sharing. Always difficult to Fathers to express how they really feel. The new technology available today certainly makes the “indirect” approach possible. 🙂
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Lovely! You expressed exactly how I felt yesterday, spending an entire day with my two children and seeing how far they have come in finding their own path, their own life. Makes one’s heart feel like it will burst with joy and with pride.
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Thanks Laurie. Yes, the joy and pride feelings certain bubble up. (Until the 4th day of anchored to the couch…and then discussions about contributions to the household chores commences. :))
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LOL … that sounds familiar too!
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That’s so beautiful, Dave, thanks for sharing, Happy Thanksgiving!!
Vera & Walter
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Thank you Vera. Hope you and the family are doing well.
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Wow Dave!.that was very moving.Hpe you had a great weekend!
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Thank you Paco. You too.
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David,
I thought about your special relationship with Rachel today. My new grand daughter arrived early this morning. Her daddy, used to all boys, is all goner. There is a special relationship between daddies and daughters, to be sure.
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Ahhhhhh Susan. Yes. So special. I get that warm feeling every time I see Rachel or think of her. Thanks for sharing.
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My daughter was just home for a very short three week visit from Togo, West Africa. She has spent the last year there teaching as a volunteer with the Peace Corps. She loves the people and her work! Nevertheless, it was hard to see her leave…Wonderful reflection that you have written!
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Thank you Jane. What incredible purposeful work your daughter is involved with, Inspiring.
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