It was wonderful to hug my father and mother and feel the squeeze of LOVE from both of them in my childhood home. My brother and sister in law were there also. Little Ralph came running like crazy outside when we pulled in the driveway, and hopped in the mini-van as we were getting out, as if he was looking for something, which He NEVER has done before. He hopped in the front door and went to the passenger side where I had just been, but was already out of the car. When he saw me from the window, he jumped out of the driver side and he attacked me with kisses (as if Gerry had commissioned him to do so), upon my arrival. At least that’s how it felt. I was surprised by his excited reaction to see me. Maybe he was just glad I didn’t have that “big dog” with me. Regardless, i was glad for dog attention. My mother spoiled all of us with our favorite dishes and I feel blessed once again to have a family to go to, and share with David. I found myself choking up or getting bleary eyed at times, but mostly it was a good visit without too many tears.
