When the FaceTime rings, I know I only have two minutes, but I pick up. My son, a call from Hawaii. He's with his girlfriend... and six of her college friends. He's the only guy.
His face is red, but not sunburned, he assures me; he's just gone for a run and is still cooling down.
He asks if I want to see his view and flips his phone before I reply. I'm gazing at the crystal blue sky, blue-green ocean, frothy waves, a tempting beach. Just beautiful, magical, inviting in every way - balm for the body, soul, heart, mind.
He continues to report out, all the things a mom might ask. No trouble with TSA or flights. Everyone figuring out where to sleep in the Airbnb. Plans to snorkel today, surf tomorrow. Poke bowls for lunch yesterday, the best he's ever had. "Mom, so SO fresh." Stir-fry feast they made for dinner. He's sitting on a porch, wearing a blissful smile.
We hit two minutes, and reluctantly, I have to hop off. He sneaks in a final comment: "You and dad really need to do a couples trip here." (His language!) I giggle and we hang up.
I hold my phone for moment. Still, with my own thoughts. His voice, his energy, his *view*. What's the feeling here? I'm not jealous, not at all. I'm filled with gratitude, of proximate happiness. He's breaking from his intense work life, living fully in this perfect moment, surrounded by beauty and love. Best two minutes of my day.
Even mundane calls (on the way home from work) from my grown kids make my day! And a call from such a lovely locale with views like that and a rec for a future couples trip is definitely sublime.
ReplyDeleteWhat I love most about this moment is that your son called and wanted to share his happiness with you! You've described this conversation so vividly that I feel like I've gotten to experience his happiness vicariously through the page. Thank you! I needed a dose of "crystal blue sky, blue-green ocean, frothy waves," on my snowy winter day here in Maine.
ReplyDeleteDiane (newtreemom)
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect two minutes!