gathering days…forty six

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The car was packed and they’d said good-bye.  Now all that was left was to get the kids strapped into their car seats and head back toward Chicago. 

Then from behind his parents the three-year old came barreling down the walk to throw his arms around me, “One more hug,” he said then ran for the car.  “I love you,” he yelled, as he climbed inside.

His mother buckled him into his seat then laughed as we all heard him yell to us, “Good time!”

And it was a good time.  Saying good-bye was the misery. 

Bittersweet. 

I watched them drive away…hold them fast Lord, all the way home.  And further than that.  Through the wilds of life, in the dark places and out again into light.  

I turned to the apartment and was braced by the words of a bright-eyed boy…”Good time!”

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~ lindasinklings