11-month absence ends

There have been numerous I'm-comings that have morphed into I'm not coming." But this time I think it will really happen. Especially after my many warnings of, "I do not want to spend Thanksgiving alone." And, "You better not let me down."

Alexander gets tested (again) and receives his result yesterday: negative.

He tells me he'll be leaving Philadelphia early this morning between seven and eight. That means he could arrive between nine and ten.

I plan accordingly.

"Text me when you're leaving," I write.

I cleaned the apartment yesterday, thinking I wouldn't have time today unless I wanted to get up very very early.

Still, I do get up somewhat early to wash my hair before he arrives.

I check my phone, no messages. 

I call. No answer.

At 9:30 I'm ready.

AT 9:35 Alexander calls. "I'm leaving around eleven."

Okay, well at least he's coming. 

At 12:30, he leaves. I guess he's not heeding my suggestion that the later he leaves, the longer it'll take.

He calls while on the road and asks, "Where's the best place to park on the street?"

Clearly he's been gone too long. 

The best place to park is anywhere you can find a space (which in his case turns out to be nowhere). Alexander ends up parking in the over-priced garage across the street from where I live.

Finally, at 3:30, I get to see my son.

And hug him too.

And within minutes, he's finishing up some work so he can be done with it by dinner time.

It all feels normal and good.

I have much to be grateful for. 

Happy Thanksgiving.