Pure Joy

Katie and Craig met me at the airport yesterday. When I stepped out the doors, Craig leaped from the car to take my bag and open the car door. It was a moment I'll never forget--my daughter's fiance treating me with care and love. I'm so happy she chose a man who treats women like this.

We grabbed a bite of lunch and then Craig left for work. Katie and I sat on their sofa and worked on our computers for a couple of hours, then she left to run errands while I conducted an interview for a magazine article I'm writing. When that business was finished, we hit the mall.

First, we shared a salad and a pasta dish at California Pizza Kitchen. We both enjoyed each dish and commented how nice it is that our tastes match so well. During dinner, we talked and laughed with two of Katie's friends who work at the restaurant. I advised one friend on her resume and how to approach finding a job. At one point, Sarah said, "Your mom is so supportive, Katie. No wonder you call her five times a day!"

I glowed.

I've been trying to interest Katie in Glee, my new guilty TV pleasure. She hasn't watched yet, but I mentioned it again at dinner. Her friend Abby was seating a party next to us and overheard. "Oh, Katie--you have to watch Glee. It's fabulous. I don't even have a TV and I can't stand to miss it."

Confirmation of my taste from someone she considers cool. Very nice.

After dinner, we found not one but two new coats she likes--one for everyday and one for interviews or a new job. We used coupons and plotted with the customer service person to get the biggest discounts possible on our purchases. We laughed. And laughed. 

When we hit the wall and started home, Katie wiggled in her seat and sighed. "A perfect evening, Mom. Just perfect."

Just typing that now, my eyes fill with tears again. I am so grateful for this time with her, so proud to see the young woman she's become. 

We're having dinner with her birth father tonight, the first time I've met him. It's sure to be interesting and I'm looking forward to it. The actual graduation ceremony will be Sunday, and I don't go home until Tuesday. 

Days more of this pure joy. 

(sigh)