My friend Heather left a few hours ago and since then I’ve been roaming my house aimlessly, missing the sounds of having someone else here.

She had her two children with her, Daniel and Genevia, ages three and six, which naturally held heavy influence over what we did. We just had one day together and spent most of it at the museum and the Chic-fil-a play area.  We spent time at the house talking with our conversations constantly interrupted by children. We waited until the children were in bed before we watched movies and had more adult conversations.

All in all I had a family experience. I was out of the house before eight on Monday morning to go to the grocery store, I sat in the car with sleeping children and spent much of my time being climbed on by Daniel and Genevia.

I cherished every minute of it.

And now that it’s over, now that Heather and her wonderful offspring are off to Heather’s parents for Christmas, I miss them.

For thirty-six hours I had everything I ever wanted.  It’s like getting to lick the spoon but never, ever getting to eat the cake.