Priorities

Hey there! It’s been a little over a week since my son finally made it back home.

He’s got his own place now, wheels to cruise around, and guess what? Love is in the air —he’s been visited by the woman he loves and plans to marry. Life seems to be getting back to normal, and that’s awesome!

Reflections

But, you know, something still tugs at my heart. As I walked through those welcoming troops toward my son, I couldn’t help but notice a few who didn’t have someone there to personally greet them.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted them standing by their gear, some staring quietly into the crowd, others just solo. Even as the crowd thinned, they lingered, maybe wondering what to do next. That’s what’s lingering in my mind now.

And I can’t help but feel a twinge of regret that I didn’t take a moment to personally welcome them home. I could have, should have, lingered a bit more. Jon wouldn’t have even noticed the delay—maybe he would have understood.

Slow Feet – Slow Mind

Why were my feet moving so slow? Was it the tug-of-war between my head and my heart? Dragging an emotion anchor? Maybe carrying some national guilt, selfishness, or embarrassment? It’s hard to say, but I definitely experienced a kind of mental gridlock. Ever been there?

My mind was saying rush off to your son, but my heart, my spirit, wanted to linger and hug them all. Would they have understood? Cared? Would it have made a difference?

When I was younger, my mind ruled, but with age comes wisdom.And, well, I’ve learned that the hard way. Ouch!

Priorities?… Priorities!

On that parade field, I could have made a difference, but… Ouch! Another lesson learned, and I’ve got the equivalent of a PhD in life’s mishaps.

Something Missed. Not All Is Lost.

I missed my chance. I lost out! It’s not the pictures taken of my pardner and son or the joy of our family being together again. It’s that haunting image that sticks with me now.

It was just a moment in time, and those young men and women weren’t depending on me. I know they celebrated their return in their own way, and I’m sure they’re back to living their lives. That’s fantastic!

But if I could turn back time, I’d do it differently today.

✨

Cheers, D 🌴🌊