Homecoming

He was home. His business trip was finally over.

I hung up with him as I turned into the airport's entrance.

"Okay, Sprite. Daddy's here. Wanna go get Daddy?"

I peeked at the rear view mirror and saw her staring dimly at the DVD player. It was late, too far past her bedtime, way too far past her logic's threshold. We were both running on fumes by now and  I had the feeling that I could have dangled the Princesses in front of her face and her reaction would have stayed the same.

Once we parked, the tired child immediately demanded a ride in my arms as we steered toward Baggage Claim.

I looked around, slowing my steps down, trying to peer through the throng of people  congregated around the only working carousel. "I wonder where Daddy is." Sprite's head stayed glued to my shoulder, not interested in my one-sided conversation.

Then she heard it. A whistle coming from about 100 feet ahead of us. She straightened and looked into my eyes. "Daddy?" Her voice sounded hopeful after a week of only seeing him through the computer camera.

The whistle sounded again. This time, I spotted him in the crowd.  Stopping, I put her down and pointed him out to her.

"Daddy!"

She had spotted him. Forgetting about the distance and the people she would have to navigate to get to him, she bolted.

He leaned down, his arms opening wide while I fumbled for my camera to try to capture the moment they made contact with each other. I didn't quite get what I wanted.

 

I watched them embrace and heard her scream with excitement and him exclaim over her dress and her hair, compliments he knew she wanted to hear, the musical voice he knew she loved. He pulled a Belle doll out of his carry-on bag to present to her, but the doll played second fiddle to him. She was much more interested in him.

I walked over to the two of them lost in their greeting, one spilling over with words she didn't quite understand to fill him in on everything he had missed in her week, and the other studying her closely for any signs of change that may have possibly happened while he was away.

Reaching them, I stole a kiss for myself, happy that my partner was back, my co-pilot in parenthood. We secured his luggage and walked out of the airport quickly, as if that would expedite out return to normal, at least the normal we knew.

A few moments later, I realized they had stopped. I turned around and caught them still chatting and soaking up each other's essence. This time, my camera captured exactly what I wanted to see.

 

Only he can make her smile like that. And only she can make him smile like that.

Happy Father's Day, John. Sprite and I love you very much.

And a happy Father's Day to everyone else out there too, especially if you can make your kids smile just by coming home.

Comments

[Sam]

That's the sweetest thing. Happy Father's Day, John!

[Keely]

Aww! I think the first pic captured it nicely. They sure have the same smile in the second one, don't they?

Love it :)

[Robin]

So sweet! What a great shot!
Happy Father's Day John! :)

[Michele]

They have the exact same grin. How sweet! Happy Fathers Day, John.

[Stacy (the Random Cool Chick)]

Awwww! That is the sweetest post. Ever. And they are simply BEAMING in that second picture! Priceless.

Happy Father's Day, John! You are a lucky man! ;)

[Midlife Mama]

Awwwwwwwww that is so sweet. You are so lucky to have such a loving father for your daughter and supportive spouse for yourself. If my husband went on a week-long business trip? I'd be doing the happy dance and looking forward to some alone-time. Hmmm. Your way is much better. :)

[Pseudo]

Best feel good Father's Day story going around the internet.

[RatalieNose]

That smile is priceless.

[Cameron]

Very cute ;)

[Casey]

Ok, that is so stinkin cute. Any man who travels with a Belle doll in his carry on is alright by me. Happy Father's Day, John.... it sounds like you're doing everything right!

[Jim Styro]

You have a beautiful family.
Happy Father's Day, John.
My children are no longer of an age where my return home causes this outpouring of devotion - but at least they don't avoid me. At 17 & 19-years-old, that's not too bad.

[hubbyjohn]

Thank you all, I appreciate the comments. Those are genuine candid super duper excited-to-see-each-other smiles indeed. Will never forget that night.

[mrsbear]

She has his smile. What a great shot, pure, genuine, joy. I love it. Hope you had a great Father's Day together.

[Joanie M]

What a fantastic picture!

[Deemarie]

How sweet. I think both pictures were perfect.

[Gina]

Aww...I teared up reading this. I love watching people reunite in the airport. I used to travel on business and when my family was waiting for me as I got off the plane (or in baggage after 9/11), it was always the sweetest moment.

[Lisa (Jonnysmommy)]

That is awesome! Those smiles are the best and capture it just perfect! I love it! It made my heart swell on a day that was kind of depressing here.

[Jim]

The smiles say it all :)

[Melly]

she totally has his smile. aw. :)

[Fantastic Forrest]

Great shot. Those moments are so precious. Good job capturing it to sustain you through the sassy years. ;-)

[Kyooty]

awwwwwwWWwhat a great moment! AWESOME!!!

[Rachel]

*sniff*

Love it.

[cyndi]

:wub: Trumping Belle is quite the coup, eh? Thank you for the misty morning smiles that brought! HFD, John <3

[WickedStepMom]

Welcome home John!