Us

In the last few moments of solitude before all of the grandbabies arrive, I have chosen to take a good look around me, with eyes wide open. I see an aging man, napping in his recliner, peacefully, finally. The years have leathered him inside and out. His heart bears many scars, as does his skin. Yet he is full of forgiveness, and love, and is still a good provider.

I see a house that has been a home to many families, and it shows. I see the cosmetic changes I've made, the new floor coverings, curtains, layers and coats of paint. It is well used, it is old, it is not a fine home, yet it has good bones, and it is still hanging in there.

I see my old dining table, 'Old Faithful'. I remember falling in love with it the minute I saw it. I even had the contractors extend the dining room wall 8 inches when they built my house, to ensure a proper fit. It has seen many a meal, many a guest, many a tear and many times of laughter. It has been there over and over when we have been fortunate enough to feed many family members. It has scars also, from many years of use, yet it is still hanging on.

I remember that from the moment we looked into each other's eyes, we knew that we wanted the same things, we knew that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together, we wanted to be there for each other. We are not perfect, we are not without fault, we are not living in a fine home, driving fine cars, eating in fine resturants. But this is who we are, what we are, where we are, and this is us.