We're Baaack

Pulled into Salina yesterday around 4:30pm from a long week of work in Cedar Rapids and was I ever glad to be home. I greatly missed my family while I was gone even though the week was full of good work, interesting conversations, and fun times. I didn't realize how much I missed them until I walked up our front sidewalk and saw my little booger peering through the screen door. How long had I been gone? I'd almost forgotten what he looked like. As I walked in the door I put my guitar down and found my arms magnetically attracted to the blonde bombshell awaiting me in the living room. I planted a big smooch on her and for the rest of the evening I couldn't resist being next to her.
I think sometimes its good to get away to remember what it is we have and take for granted. In my everyday life it's easy for me to overlook the little moments that mean so much to me as a dad and a husband. I missed seeing Owen poke his head around the corner with that crazy grin he gets when he's playing peek-a-boo. I missed having my wife next to me while I slept at night. I missed getting up in the morning and turning the corner to Owen's room to hear him talking nonsense in his crib. I missed being able to look at Melissa while she told of the day she had...talking on the phone just doesn't cut it for me.
All the little things matter and sometimes it just takes a little distance to make me realize how truly blessed I am.