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January 2008 
When was the last time you surprised yourself?
Posted on Jan 8th, 2008
by 
Lucente
Lucente
This is in Response to the Questions and Reflections for January 08, 2008:
(Only a mother could appreciate the last time I surprised myself.) It was two days ago after I prepared my eldest son's favorite made-from-scratch supper, enjoyed his laughter and his animated story-telling, washed the dishes (automatic dishwasher awaits repair) and savored the last spoonfuls of a homemade strawberry shake; it was after he collected his laptop (his Dad had debugged) and hugged me good-bye (complete with a "love you") and told me thanks for such a "great dinner" (did those words really come from his lips??) and left "Home" to go back to his house.
I surprised myself when I realized I had said, "Good-bye." and "I love you." ... And did not ask (or wonder), "When will I see you again?" Nor did I say, "Call me."
Wow. That was truly a surprise. More than that, it was a gift I have longed for ... Oh, for years. Just to be with my grown children without baggage or expectations — or gripping their heels for dear life and begging them to stay!! ;-).
I surprised myself when I realized I had said, "Good-bye." and "I love you." ... And did not ask (or wonder), "When will I see you again?" Nor did I say, "Call me."
Wow. That was truly a surprise. More than that, it was a gift I have longed for ... Oh, for years. Just to be with my grown children without baggage or expectations — or gripping their heels for dear life and begging them to stay!! ;-).
Access: Public
I loved this. I smiled all the way through, from that classic and much beloved picture of Lucy and Desi until “Good-bye” you bid to your son. When I saw this question, nothing really came to mind, as my days seem to flow one into the other, and painting is about the only “surprise” I could think of. You captured the essence of the word here. Most of us think of big epiphanies when it comes to surprising oneself. But it's these small “big” moments which are really awesome. Thanks for the smile and the good feeling you cultivated by sharing it.
Otter, your insights always bless me and “bridge me” over to the proverbial other side. I had another small big moment yesterday when I realized that I was lingering … Willing and yet to moving into my new life-roles.
Thank you for the good feeling you cultivated when I realized that it is the little-big moments that carry us over to the other side.