When I woke up this morning, my parents were gone. This is an unsettling statement for me on multiple levels.
Now, don’t worry! They just decided to get up early and start their journey back to Elkhart from Myrtle Beach. And I also know there is a casino in West Virginia that they’ve never been to. They pride themselves in visiting every casino in the country. This week, Dad quoted a number in the thousands. It’s a hobby that helps them see the nation with enjoyable rest stops along the journey.
I knew this was their plan all along. They said goodbye last night before they went to bed. They don’t like a dramatic scene. They’ve never been ‘call us when you get there‘ parents. They are more the call-us-if-you-don’t-get-there parents. That is their style! They are not intrusive. They are unconditional love. They have always been there for me when I needed them. ALWAYS! I’m spoiled like that.
I saw the movie “Annie” yesterday. Yes, it’s a little long and the singing feels a little forced. But the critics need to back off. Cameron Diaz is a hoot. And Quvenzhané Wallis is phenomenal. I cried three times during it. Grace sang the songs she knew. What more do you want from a movie?
The point is… I’m not ready to be an orphan yet. I’m 51 and I need my mommy and daddy. I have a lot of friends who’ve lost one or both. And I know a lot of kids lose a or both parents at a young age and still have the resilience to grow into productive adults. Life isn’t fair. And I’ve been blessed going into six decades. Still, I want more! I just know my world is more beautiful because my parents are in it.
My mom is this upbeat wonder. She is constantly considering other people’s feelings and practicing kindness at a marveling level. My dad is a stalwart touchstone. I can interrupt him reading his book on the deck and whatever I ask he responds affirmatively. “Dad, will you take us to breakfast?” “Dad, can I borrow your car?” (I’ve crashed his car twice in the last decade.) “Dad, do you want to play Cranium?” He epitomizes quiet strength. Together and separately, my parents are a tour de force.
They teach me what love is every day of my life. And I’m so blessed to have them both happy and healthy. They’ve only been gone a couple hours but I miss them already.