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Double the pleasure

I’m experiencing an unseasonal early Christmas morning feeling.  Remembering the exceitement that comes from seeing packages and anticipating, wondering what’s inside the wrapping.The sensation that comes with seeing packages and anticipating, wondering what’s inside the wrappings.

A little later today I’ll be in a “meet and greet” zoom meeting.  An intentional two-generation evemt..  A n “open to change” experience for me. I’ll be meeting with my friend Kay. I’ll be greeting her daughter.

The Back Story

 I’ve known Kay since we were both freshwomen in college.  Since then, despite very different life choices, our paths have serendipitously crossed many times. We currently live just a few miles and minutes apart, and pre-COVID got together regularly. Kay’s daughter has returned for a visit from Italy. To the place where she was born  Where her mother lives.  Her mother very much wants me to meet her daughter.  And so do I.  My anticipation is building.

Our original plan had been to get together in person for lunch.  However, COVID and the Delta Variant have resulted in prudent zooming. 

 

I’m hoping  to discover the” person” who is Kay’s daughter. I know I’ll also be looking for similarities and differences.  Will I see Kay’s quick smile and easy laughter? Will I  glimpse the spiritual seeking that is so much a part of Kay? 

 

The Unexpected

When  Kay’s daughter sent me her email address so that we can zoom, I was startled.  Her email name includes the word “mama.”  My own daughter’s internet moniker includes the exact same four-letter word.  I wonder if  either daughter (both coincidentally the oldest or only daughter in their families) realzes the subconscious or deliberate tribute they are giving to motherhood.  A state of being Kay and I both willingly inhabit.

I think of Psalm 127.  Children are a gift from the Lord, a reward, a fruit of the womb.

The Next Time

In my next post, I’ll share  what happened today — what I found, so to speak, under the wrapping.  Meantime I’m wondering if any of you has had the experience of an unexpected meeting with  the adult offspring (now there’s a word!) of a sibling or long-time friend.  Any surprises or revelations?

 

Patricia Schudy

Patricia Schudy is the author of the non-fiction book, "Oldest Daughters: What to know if you are one or have ever been bossed around by one," and is currently writing a suspense-romance novel. She is a former nationally syndicated, youth-advice columnist ("Talk to Us," Universal Press Syndicate/Andrews McMeel) and a free-lance feature writer for local and national publications, ncluding Better Homes and Gardens /Meredith Publications, the Kansas City STAR Magazine and the National Catholic Reporter. She is a member of Sisters in Crime (SINC), Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, and Northern Colorado Writers. The oldest child in her family-of-origin’s five siblings, she is the mother of five adult children and the grandmother of eight. “Relationships are integral to who I am and what I choose to write about.”