It was a dreary rainy day today. I was home alone. …..I hesitate to say this because it’s become such a cliche about bloggers–but I was still in my pajamas in mid-afternoon when the doorbell rang.
Actually I found out later it rang. I didn’t hear it because our doorbell doesn’t work unless you’re standing in the room right next to the front door. It doesn’t ring at all in my office. So I wouldn’t have known someone was here if I hadn’t seen a face at my window while I was browsing working on the computer.
Normally I’m the type who would freak if I see a face in the window. But it was raining really hard. And I figured most people breaking into the house wouldn’t bother in the rain. Nor would they tap at the window.
Also this was a girl’s face. And in the movies, really pretty girls don’t typically break into homes on rainy days in the middle of Sunday afternoon. When I went to open the front door (she HAD tried to ring the bell) I saw it was one of Daniel’s high school friends who doesn’t live here in town but was visiting some other friends–who were also at the door.
They apologized for showing up spontaneously. I looked like I just rolled out of bed. Add the way the house looked, and you’d assume I wouldn’t let them past the front door.
But these kids and I have seen each other—-and the house— in every possible state of disarray. They practically lived here in high school–mi casa es su casa. So they came in the kitchen and we sat around and caught up. This is the second weekend in a row that Daniel’s friends have been in town and stopped by. And it feels both familiar– and different–to be with them—as adults.
It reminded me of how surprised I was when I discovered how much I like teenagers. Love being around them. And even though I don’t consciously think about it, I suddenly realized how much I miss having them around me.
The only thing missing today—besides Daniel, who’s away at school—is that I had no cookies or snacks to offer—and our refrigerator isn’t stocked the way they’re used to. A Jewish mother’s moment of shame. But they weren’t here for food or for Daniel; they were here for a different reason. At least that’s what I decided after they left. Because it was such a gray and rainy day, I figure they came by just to bring me some sunshine.
This is touching. And, I can see that YOU were touched. I hope I can get to the point one day that my kid’s friends feel like they WANT to come by and see me. What a true compliment that is!
Thanks—it was touching—and I’m betting you WILL get to that point, too.