We scooted into a booth for a quick Pei Wei dinner in Golden, Colorado. My children and I were hot and hungry after a day of museum-going and site seeing with grandparents. I had just finished a twelve day stint of scout-camp-induced single motherhood, and although I didn't have a husband home yet, I had the next best thing: Grammy and Papa! And, now I had a full tummy and a fortune cookie in hand. I cracked it open and laughed out loud as I read:
"The love of your life will unexpectedly appear before your eyes."
"Wouldn't that be hilarious if Chad really showed up somewhere?" I said to my parents. Even though we'd tried our best to make our summer schedule jive, it ended up that Chad had scout camp and I was heading to Utah with my parents, and we weren't going to see each other for a whole month! Like ships passing in the night, I left home on Monday and he was coming home Tuesday. "We can talk on the phone once he's back in town," I'd consoled myself. Unsuccessfully.
After our dinner, we dropped Grammy and Papa off to go to a concert and the kids and I settled in for some hotel swimming and bedtime. Then, the phone rang. Chad! I answered and said, "Are you at your base camp? Did you manage to get a cell phone connection?" His answer: "No, I'm home! Where are you?" A few directions and a speedy 60 minute ride later, Dal and Kate were running in jammies through the foyer of the Holiday Inn with Daddy's open arms in sight!
Sweet reunion!
I couldn't stop the smile or the tears. Together is where we belong.
I sent a text to my dad while he was at the concert: "Don't underestimate the power of the cookie." Fortune cookie or not, I feel 'fortune'ate to have had the "love of my life unexpectedly appear before my eyes" and know he's mine forevermore!
Post Script: The "unexpected appearances" didn't stop at the Holiday Inn. Chad also made a surprise visit to Utah for the 4th of July weekend, catching up with us at Bear Lake! What a guy!
8 comments:
What a sweet story. Chad is the man! We miss you.
Awwww, so sweet! Have fun in Utah!
I always new those fortune cookies were magical!
That Chad is such a treasure.
You both got a GREAT mate!
We love you guys!
Super cute story Ade! How did your workshop go? I'd like to hear about it.
That's so funny! I love a good fortune. When Shawn got home from his mission, his Mandarin fortune cookie said "You will be married within six months." Dad didn't find it so amusing when he showed up to "talk" to him with that strip of paper in hand! :)
Adri, you're such a beautiful writer and thinker and beautiful person. I admire the relationship you have with my brother. You guys are wonderful. Love you so much!
I wish I could find a guy just like Chad. Luckily, I get to love him for being my brother, even if he did/does tease me relentlessly. love to you ooth and the chitlins.
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