My husband and I visited my parents over Christmas break. I hadn't been home in over a year and I was excited to be there.
My parents live in a two-bedroom condo in Rhode Island. Christmas time is the only time I enjoy the cold weather. My husband and I moved to Mississippi a little over a year ago, and I have found that I enjoy the southern climate a lot better.
The only negative to visiting my parents is that their guest room is not set up for actual guests. It's a combination of an office area with a desk and a stationary bike, neither of which gets any use. That first night on the air mattress was terrible; I awoke the next morning with an ache in my lower back, and it seemed to be spreading to my shoulders throughout the day.
The second night we were there, after I thought both my parents were asleep, I went downstairs to get some water. As I passed my parents room, I could hear my mother snoring loudly. I thought to myself that some things never changed. She's been snoring as long as I can remember.
When I walked down the stairs and into the living room, now dimly lit by the glow of the Christmas tree lights, I saw my dad sitting on the couch. "What are you doing just sitting here?" I asked, as my eyes were adjusting to the lesser light of the room.
With a smile he replied, "I can't sleep with your mom snoring. Sit with me and let's have a chat."
I sat down by him on the couch. I pulled the blanket off the back of the couch to cover my bare legs, as I was only wearing my sleeping shorts and t-shirt. The heat was on in the house, but seeing the snow subtly fall outside the living room window sent a slight chill throughout my body.
My Dad and I have always been close, but as the years went by, he was more nostalgic. He often reflected on the brevity of life and made sure that I was doing fine.
Grabbing my hand, my father said, "Leigh, I want you to know how proud I am of you. I am so thankful that you and Jay found each other; you two are perfect for each other. And I am proud of the woman you have become." At 32, it still means everything to get compliments from my Dad!