A big bear hug, an 'I love you', and a 'You're doing good'

Sam (my Dad was trying to get him to smile), Pop, Nana, Selah, and Silas

My parents came to visit last week and it was truly wonderful. There is nothing quite like watching your parents enjoy your children.

I know Jeff and I have made some decisions, over the course of our marriage that my parents have questioned, though not out loud to us. We don't always agree politically, but I think we all try to laugh about it. Like the time we were visiting my parents and right before we left Jeff drew a mustache and devil ears on mom's George W. poster.

I'm sure they've wondered about some of our parenting ideas and questioned where we choose to spend our money. But, they've allowed us to make our own decisions and haven't interfered. (I don't think we've made REALLY bad decisions, by the way, but I'm sure they've kept their mouths shut on more than one occasion.)

My parents came at just the right time- a time when I am questioning how I mother....am I good enough? A time when I am questioning what I can be doing to be a better wife to Jeff......do I do enough? Am I good enough, even, for the God I fail so often? I was parched dry....and my parents came just in time to give me a good, long, refreshing drink.

When I dropped them off at the airport, I was holding back the tears. I just didn't want our time together to end!! (And it wasn't just because my mom did the dishes and the laundry.)

As my Dad was hugging me- a great big bear hug that kind of made me feel like a little girl again- he whispered in my ear, "I love you. And you and Jeff are doing a great job with those kids."

In two short sentences, my Dad managed to say exactly what a I needed to hear. He reminded me that I am enough.