When I first parted ways, I drop the kids off to my father’s apartment every Tuesday evening, waving cheerfully (“Enjoy!”) – as soon as the building door closes behind them, I feel the trembling of my lower lip. (I value my solo time now, but those early days were strict. )
My friends Mo and Nathan lived half a block from us, so that night I often billed into their apartment. They were juggling dinner preparation and homework with four kids, but they always greeted me with no doubt a big smile and pulled another chair up to the dining table. Their home is a very soft landing spot, and my eyes still stab me in tears as I think about the kindness of their everyday lives.
Cut this December. My boy was traveling with his dad, so I was spending my solo Christmas Eve. I was planning a quiet night at home (HBO and grilled cheese), but as the sun set, those old wobble emotions flooded.
“Hey, can I swing ever?” I texted Mo trying to sound casual. “Or are you spending quiet family time? No worries either way!”
Without thinking again, Mo claimed I had come, so I walked over to their house, played with the kids, ate too many sugar cookies, saw some magic tricks, took a picture of the family portraits. Before I got home, my happy, rosy cheeks, I thanked Mo and Nathan, and he looked at me and replied seriously, “Anytime, come, come every time.”
“Come anytime and come every time.” My heart! How beautifully open is it? How reassuring do you feel that you wanted? What a beautiful and generous statement of friendship.
MO and Nathan
When they came Ours At home for brunch this spring, I took this picture of them and later framed them as a gift. 🙂
So! During these tough times, I want to hear: what did people say or do for you? What did you like to do for others? I’m excited to hear it.
What are the wise words of PS, and what are the nice compliments you received?
Source: Cup of Jo – cupofjo.com
