The Surprise Visit

Not having much to do this time of year, I became restless and depressed. Partially to blame was the lack of a plan to see Taylor. Part of the blame was the Easter holiday. Families all joined together on Sunday. Each with their own traditions, all the family joined and celebrating.

My celebration with my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter, was held before the holiday, at one of our favorite restaurants. We had a great meal, enjoyed the closeness of family and reveled at the talent my granddaughter has for naming all the mounts displayed in the restaurant. She is , after all the smartest 14 month old, ever to be seen.

While the time with them was valued and precious, the holiday itself was empty. I awoke, dressed and prepared for the Easter church services. Taylor called and I talked with her for a while. We separated with our “I love you”s and she, as I, finished getting ready for church.

As I entered the lobby, I was greeted by a few people, shook hands and made my way to the familiar pews I used to share with my family. The feelings swarmed me as I watched families and longed for the closeness they were taking for granted. I wept as we started the first hymn. The whole service was being provided for strength and the reassurance of Jesus rising from the dead. Yet, I felt alone amongst a packed sanctuary.

As I drove home, the emotions rose again, and again tears filled my eyes. When I got home, the only thing I wanted was a connection to my love. I sat down and wrote out all of my innermost feelings. The depression, despair and feelings of loneliness and the lost feeling from not being close enough to see Taylor. Part of the feelings were fueled by the fact that we had no plans scheduled for a visit. My lack of vacation time and her very busy and hectic schedule had forced the issue away. After sending the e-mail, I felt a regret for the feelings I was subjecting her to. After all, she was not at fault,. This was my problem. She was loving and calming as we talked. She reassured me that we would have plenty of holidays together. She was right, yes I knew that and I loved her for setting me straight.

The following few days were back to normal, except the lost feeling kept creeping back into my nights. When on Monday night, my brother called and asked what I had planned for Wednesday night, I responded with the usual “nothing”. He said he had a job to look at in the area and would I be free for him to stop in after. Sure was the answer, although thinking to myself,”what’s up with Doug, he never just stops in”.

Wednesday Taylor was in Minnesota for a seminar she was presenting at. We talked and texted through the day as usual. That evening she called and as we talked, Doug called on the other line. She suggested I call her back “When you get rid of Doug”. He said he was a few minutes away and was I still up for a visit? Sure I was, “the door is unlocked and the front light is on”

A few minutes later, he knocked, entered the house and called out.”Heh, grab some glasses. I stopped at Mackinaw Brewing and picked up a jug”. From behind him I heard a very sweet and loving voice call out- ” better get three , I want to try some too”.

Taylor had scheduled a flight immediately after her session in Minnesota, to O’Hare then on to Traverse City. She was there to surprise me and lift my spirits. She was the most welcome sight I could have ever asked for.

She stayed for a week, and we had a wonderful time seeing the area and re experiencing our love for each other. O Saturday night we went to a party the local Oldies Radio station was putting on. We danced until they pushed us out the doors.

Before leaving, we made plans for events I would do to keep me busy until we see each other again, or the house sells and I am able to move to Texas.

Taylor endured the grueling four flights as she backtracked her way to Texas and home, only to find her car dead in the parking lot. So much for good deeds going unpunished.

She is full of life and as I now know, full of surprises too. I love that lady with all my heart. With good reason, as you can see. We will be together soon, God willing. Just pray for the house to sell, soon!