Link spotted me only seconds after I saw him through the crowd debarking from the plane. His whole face lit up and he began to run. Fortunately he is still small and nimble. More fortunately still, the distance was short and not many people were in the way. I did not remonstrate him. I was too busy holding him tight. Kiki crashed in to join the hug right behind him. I held them both tight and was whole again. Partway whole. We still needed to navigate baggage claim and meet my brother in the parking lot to trade two nephews and a niece for my remaining son and daughter.
The moment our arms relaxed from hugging, the shower of chatter began.
“I got to drive a go-cart!”
“You should have seen Grandma…”
“I was too short, they wouldn’t let me drive…”
“Look at this!”
“I got one too!”
“The beach was cold!”
“…and then we laughed because it was too big!”
“there were waves and they…”
“…in Chinatown and I bought…”
“Grandpa got it for me!”
“I missed my house.”
“Can we find a restroom?”
Five young voices all ran at top speed, completing each other’s stories, vying to tell the cool bits. One story crashing on top of another until it was all a wash of cheerful noise. We navigated through the airport, collected bags, and found my van. They missed me, I missed them, but everyone had a marvelous time while we were apart.
Gleek and Patch were less exuberant about greeting me. They were far more occupied making sure their new treasures were properly transferred from their Uncle’s car into mine. But there have been hugs since. Many hugs. My heart felt like the creaky fingers of a long-clenched fist, now able to relax. When they were gone, I put the mother part of myself away for awhile. It was necessary. The mother revolves around the children. Without them she has only grief. But I was able to unpack her last night because the kids came home today and now she is needed again.
We arrived at home just as Howard did. They each gave him joyful hugs. Then the children scattered. Kiki and Link found video games to play. Patch and Gleek ran through the backyard to find their friends. Howard looked around and said it well “They missed normal as much as they missed us.” It is true. The kids had a wonderful adventure. I’ll be hearing it in bits and pieces for months to come, but for now they are just glad to be at home. I am glad that my house is full of the joyful noise of children playing, singing, squabbling, and shouting “Moooom!”