I woke up this morning with two thoughts on my mind, a few words spoken by my father and laughter in the night.
I wasn’t in the room to hear my dad’s words, but Mark told me about it.
The Christmas part was a big success. I always worry that a catastrophe will happen on these occasions at my parents’ house, but according to my mom they got through their catastrophes earlier in the day. The food was a joint effort by my mom, my two sisters and me. We had a finger-sandwiches-and-heavy- hors d’oeuvres buffet on the dining room table. We opened gifts in the living room and set up a card table in there for my dad to use. Three of my four children were there along with my daughter-in-law and grandson. It was a good celebration with little Luke providing a lot of entertainment for adults who had not enjoyed the presence of a young child in too many years.
I spent some time in the kitchen trying to clean everything up before we left, so I didn’t witness my dad’s words.
“Your dad said two words tonight,” Mark said on the half-hour drive home. “Actually he said two words, twice. Guess what they were.”
I thought for a minute, but really had no idea.
“He said ‘Thank you’ when Luke gave him a puzzle piece,” Mark said. “He did it twice.”
Now, little one-year-old Luke was not the first person to give Dad anything last night. My sisters and I were busy giving him food, a drink, presents, napkins, whatever he needed, without a word in response. But when little Luke gave him a piece of his new puzzle, Dad said, “Thank you. Twice.”
The laughter on my mind this morning came from the voices of our four adult children who were playing games at the dining room table when I went to bed last night in our room down the hall. As I lied in bed I could hear their voices, recognizing each individual by their own particular distinctive laugh. And I fell asleep with the lullaby of their laughter.
I hope you’re enjoying the holidays.
Oh Christine…that made me weepy!!! Sorry you did not hear the words yourself but what a lovely thing to know that that happened!!! Enjoy your day!!
Well, if it makes you feel any better, it made me weepy when Mark told me too. I’m learning to live with being weepy.
This kind of laughter is a sweet music. Having a wonderful holiday time and glad you are having one too.
Lee
Wrote By Rote
I’m glad you’re having a good holiday. (I’m getting close to being ready to settle back into the same-ole, same-ole.)
Nothing like the lullaby of laughter to help us drift off to sleep. 😀
So true.
what a lovely gift those two words!
Exactly. A gift. That’s how I always feel when Dad speaks.
Thank you for sharing this, as well, Christine. What magical words!
Kathy
Thanks for stopping by.
My Dad smiled a few times yesterday, and that was nice. He still talks occasionally, so that’s good, but he looks so unhappy most of the time. So a smile was heartwarming.
Happy Holidays, Christine.
Lisa
I’m glad you had a good visit with your dad. I try to just savor the special moments. Dad doesn’t really smile anymore, so I know how special that must have been for you. I’m glad you were able to visit him.
Happy Holidays to you in your new home, Lisa. Here’s to a new year that brings you what you desire.
Seems dad still knows who’s important around the place.
You got that right.
And a little child shall lead them —-
So true. In the car on the way home, my second oldest son Matthew said, “I think it made Mike (oldest son) sad.” I said, “It’s a sad thing. It makes everyone sad.” Then Matthew said, “Except for Luke.”
So true.
I love this post. How wonderful it is to hear the laughter of our children. What a wonderful gift.
Yes. You know how it is. I haven’t been by in a while. I hope to catch up next week once the kids all leave.
Wishes to you for a Happy New Year.
What a wonderful present to everyone from your Dad!
What a good way to put it. Truly it was a gift to all who heard.
Even for you it was a gift to know that sometimes he is responsive. The storytelling back to you was part of your Christmas also. You can’t be there for everything but you can still savor it.
Thanks for sharing this, Christine!
Thanks for visiting, William.
I’m sure having your family home is/was music to your ears. How sweet for Luke; so glad Mark heard your father speak and could share it with you. Blessings come in all sizes, don’t they?
Yes. I’m glad Mark heard and relayed it to me, too. It was very special.