Sometimes people come into and out of your life. Losing track of people I care about - people who have enriched my life, and who have played a part in who and what I am today, is my greatest regret.
Some of these people I care about are friends of my children. For a few months, or a few years, they fill our home with laughter and fun. Then they moved on. Or maybe it is was our children who moved on to a new a group of friends or a new boy or girlfriend. Some of these children literally moved away - and sadly, one left this world way too early.
As I think of the cast of characters who accompanied my children, there are some who truly stand out. I have been blessed to continue being part of the lives of some of these special young people, and have watched them grow up and raise families of their own.
Recently, I've spent a few minutes with two of those that I had not seen in many years. In the fall, one of these very special young people rang my doorbell unannounced. Unfortunately, I was not home when his parents did the same thing a few years back. Thank goodness I was home that day. This young man was in fifth grade when he went home to Japan more than 20 years ago. When I opened the door there he was, holding the hand of his beautiful bride. He brought her to America to see where he'd lived as a small boy. Of all the neighbors and friends he could have chosen, he brought her to meet me – amazing. We had a very short and wonderful visit talking about what he remembered as a child. Then they left for their European honeymoon.
Today, another one of these special children who has remained close to my heart despite the fact I have not seen her in over 15 years, came to visit with her partner of seven years, and their beautiful two-year-old son. They live not too far away and hopefully they will come back some time soon.
These are just two examples of many unexpected rewards of opening your house to the friends of your children.
