My gosh, one of my daughters looks just like one of my little sisters did when I was growing up.
That was the first thought that raced through my mind when Julia came walking around the corner and bent down to open the patio door of my old house. Here was one of my little darlings – no longer so little – looking every bit like my sister, Ann, when she was eight years old more than a quarter century ago.
To hug her, even as Julia slightly pulled away somewhat, was the most incredible feeling. She even seemed a bit suspect of me when I kissed her on the cheek. But that's understandable. The two of us hadn't seen each other since Jan. 15. That's 79 days if you were keeping track (I was).
I asked Julia if any of her other sisters were awake. She said yes, and I told her to tell them I was there and that would like to see them. After what seemed like a lifetime (memories of having the police called on me the last time I was at the house were still fresh in my mind), Emily emerged.
Whoa. How tall she has gotten. And even with her hair in pigtails, she looked every bit like the young adult you see hanging out at your local convenience store. Certainly this 12-year-old, sixth-grader was not the little "sweet bread" I remember proudly toting home in a car seat.
Before I could enjoy the half-hearted hug a stranger might expect, "Tiny" emerged with an ear-to-ear grin. Yes, one thing hasn't changed in the past couple of months. Veronica is still a little darling and (fortunately) has not grown up too much. But she is getting awfully heavy to pick up. I nearly fell off my bike lifting her up to smother her with a hug and a kiss.
And right on her heels was Olivia. My little "Diva" is still a knockout. She wasn't reluctant at all about pushing Veronica aside to get a little loving in from her dad. She, too, is so big! It was Christmas, birthdays, rainbows, sunshine and lollipops all wrapped up in one for the two of us. And to think Olivia once wouldn't give me the time of day a year ago. Now you couldn't pull us apart.
In the midst of all this hugging, kissing, smiling and laughing, one question remained: Where was Lauren, I asked. To my disappointment, she decided not to be a part of the patio reunion.
Then, before any of us had time to bask in the glow of being together again, it was my cue to go. I didn't intend to intrude on the girls' Saturday morning (I was doing an inspection of the exterior of the home to determine if it was in "show-ready" condition for sale purposes.), but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to say hello when I was just outside their back door.
God gives us little gifts. I have five precious ones. They are the most beautiful girls in the world. And I love them very much. And I miss them dearly. But for a span of three minutes on a gray Saturday morning in early April, we were (nearly) all back together again.
This stage show for "High School Musical 3" draws quite a crowd.
Donald Duck was out and about on the streets of the Hollywood Studios.
One area of the park is made up to look just like New York.
These "buildings" are really just flat boards.
This explosion was part of the behind-the-scenes backstage show.
Check out the Disney water tower.
I'm not sure how they use these "half Herbie" cars.
Recognize these two guys? Look how tall Sully is!
These guys are pretty scary in person!
The girls like the Jonas Brothers!
The main pool at the Disney Pop Century Resort.
Check out the custom golf cart!
They literally roll out the red carpet for you at the resort.
My Continental Airlines plane, ready to take me home.
