He's home, we're merry

As I drove to pick Josh up at the airport on Friday, I listened to Mariah Carey belting out all the greatest Christmas hits.  Crossing the Glenn Jackson bridge, with the Columbia River shimmering in the moonlight below, I got a bit nostalgic.  Portland's city lights twinkled in the background as I neared the airport, my anticipation reached an all time high as I followed the "Arrivals" signs & parked the car. All I could think was, "We did it. We made it. And we won't ever have to be apart again."

 

I practically ran to the gate where people stream in, fresh off their flights, reuniting with loved ones.  I stood, wringing my hands, as I watched anxiously for my love to arrive.  Finally I saw him.  Thick ivory waffle knit thermal layered under a plain gray t-shirt, jeans & his huge Alaska boots.  He was here, on solid ground, in front of my very eyes.  Finally he walked through the passage way and I threw my arms around him, his unshaven face scratching mine.

As we started for baggage claim, Josh laced his fingers through mine and I felt like we were in high school again.  I still couldn't believe he had managed to get on a flight and home to me before Christmas after his whole fiasco in Marshall.  

Then yesterday morning when the boys woke up, they tore into our bedroom asking if Daddy was here.  When Logan saw that he was, he threw his arms around Josh's neck and said, "I missed you, Daddy!" 

Then later in the day Jack asked Josh where he was going after naps, and Josh said, "Nowhere." Then Jack asked, "When are you going back to Alaska?"  Josh held his shoulders, looked square into Jack's precious face and told him, "The Alaska house is done, buddy. When I go back to Alaska, you're coming with me."

The look on Jack's face was priceless. He was so thrilled.

So am I.

Josh is home and we are merry!