Reunion

Last week I went out of town for FIVE days and FOUR nights BY MYSELF. (Sorry for the overuse of CAPS, but I have yet to figure out the compatibility of Mac and Blogger for grammer) This was the longest I had ever been away from my little Stelly. I went to New York to attend a camp reunion. It was wonderful. I stayed in a hotel room by myself and connected with old friends who I haven't seen since I was 14.

When I was young, I went to a girls sleep-away camp in the forest in Maine for 6 consecutive summers. I loved every single minute of it. (Well, not the minutes swimming in the cold lake on a chilly August morning) But I do have the fondest memories of a very special and unique place. The 10 women in my bunk who attended the reunion travelled from 6 states and 1 foreign country. It was quite the effort to get us all together and it was worth it. We carry so much love and fondness in our hearts for each other and for the camp itself that it felt like reuniting with sisters. It was a very happy weekend, even though I missed my little one.

On the flight back to Portland I wondered what it would be like to reunite with Stella. How would she react to me? Some people said she might be angry, and not to take it personally. I thought she might squeal with delight and do a little happy dance like she does sometimes when Greg comes home from work. Or maybe she would give me a big hug and kiss and say "I love you" (wishful thinking).

When I saw her, I took her into my arms. She stuck out her cheek and I gave her a big kiss. She said, "Mama's back" and looked at me for a moment. Then she walked away and went back to her play.