I Think My Father Has Finally Grown Up

I don't know what to think of my father's recent change in the way he interacts with my children and I. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining by any means, it's just... different.

"Tell me again when you have the kids in June."

That's the way the conversation started. After confirming the dates he says, "Good. Because we're coming on Friday and leaving Monday. On Saturday or Sunday (the choice is ours) we want to take the kids to [a local touristy place] or something that is more than grandma and grandpa taking them to the ice cream shop. The other day we'll visit with other relatives, but we don't want to have to share time with them while we visit you."

Dang! Not only have they made plans which involve time off work but there have been other steps taken (like hotel reservations, etc) which almost make me want to get pinched to make sure I'm not dreaming. TWO... not just a visit but two visits within the course of only a couple of months and specifically to visit the children and me.

In usual me fashion, I found myself exploring his motives. I know he's not trying to make up for lost time. We've already had that discussion about not being able to turn back the hands of time to "make up" for anything. I do wonder if he's contemplating his own mortality. After all, the man has had several debilating stroke and heart episodes over the past couple of years. Perhaps if my step-mother wasn't as anxious to come as we are to have her visit, he wouldn't be returning again so soon. Whatever the reason, he's coming! Again! And we're so excited.

After I kicked myself in the rear end for daring to question why someone would want to travel all that distance to visit us, I decided to just enjoy the fact that my father is taking an active roll in our lives. He loves us. And we love him. And those truths are wonderful.