An Early Christmas Present

This Christmas, I was blessed with an early present.

I have known for months that it was coming.

The anticipation built day by day. Hour by hour.

And as much as I love receiving presents, this gift alone,  would satisfy.

My present wasn't wrapped.

I didn't find it under the tree.

While it came to Taiwan via air, it wasn't brought by Santa's sleigh.

Yes, after 18 long, painfully slow months, my family is all together again.

The original plan was to pick Nick and Ben up Friday evening. That didn't happen. Instead they spent a night in Japan while the airline picked up the tab.

Saturday afternoon, after a day filled with basketball, we made the journey north. As we waited Nick and Abbi texted. They were off the plane. They were in customs. And finally a request, a plea-  please don't make a scene.

So I was good.

Our tree has been up since Thanksgiving weekend,  but unadorned with its usual baubles. It waited patiently for children 1 and 2 to come home.

Tonight,  we completed the task.

Christmas can come now.

The Dingus family is ready!