Togetherness, and the Joyful Reunion That It Denies Us

This afternoon, Daniel took note of what a nice day we were having, and I pointed out to Daniel and Madeleine that today is special, because I get to be home with my family.

Daniel, as usual, showed a good eye for wistful nuance:

"Yeah, but I'm kind of sad that I don't get to run over and say 'Daddy!' when you get home."

That is, he enjoys the ritual of children running to Daddy as he walks in the door at the end of the day, yelling "Daddy!" such that even this silver cloud has a little bit of a grey lining, because absence makes the heart grow fonder, and Daniel enjoys, as I do, the daily, weekday celebration of that fondness.

(December 17, 2011)