I Would Make that Trade

I got to see my six-month-old grandson today. I love him so much and we had a great time talking, munching on toys, trying a new food (him, not me), laughing, and hugging. He showed up here with his parents, and yes, I was happy to see them, too. Henry’s girlfriend Rachel was here, and we all had a great conversation, learning a little more about where each of us came from and where we might all be going.

I also got a chance to let Luke know that something he had said during a phone call a few days ago hurt me. I recounted our chat and explained how one particular response left me feeling like he was unfairly blaming me. As I finished telling him my point of view, he nodded and said, “I understand that. I didn’t see it that way, and I guess you’re right. I’m sorry.” That calm interchange lasted about five minutes of the three hours or so that Luke, Isabel, and Julien were here, and everyone in the house seemed to genuinely enjoy each others’ company.

Two Sundays ago, Dennis, Sam, Jack, Stella, and I went to see Luke and Julien at their place, while Isabel was out with a friend. That’s when I did something to Luke that I needed to apologize for, so I did, that night, via text:

In yesterday’s post, I shared something that Kim Stafford wrote about his father: “I remembered his claim, ‘I would trade everything I have ever written for the next thing.’”

You know what I would trade for an open, honest, and genuinely loving relationship with each of the people I care about? Everything the rest of the world tells me is necessary for living life the right way.