Reunion in Jacksonville, FL.

They sunbathed Jacksonville in a warm glow as my daughter Demi and her husband Kelson arrived. Kelson, freshly back from a deployment in Australia and a beacon of strength in his Army uniform, was more than just a son-in-law to me. He was the protective wall for my daughter, who was now carrying my soon-to-be first grandson.?

Our home was ready to embrace them. The two guest rooms, curated with care akin to a boutique BNB, awaited them. The soft linens, the ambiance, everything was set to create a comforting cocoon for my returning family.?

Vacations, I've always believed, shouldn't be exhausting. No rushed itineraries, no juggling visits. As they stepped in, I promised them that time would be ours to savor, free from the weight of schedules or societal obligations.?

During their stay, our home echoed with laughter and genuine conversations. One evening, Kelson and I found ourselves in the Lani, where I finally got the chance to delve deeper into the man my daughter had chosen. As I looked into his eyes, I glimpsed the reasons why my daughter held him so dear. Our conversation meandered through the past, our shared present, and hopes for the future. That evening, we laid the foundation for a bond I hadn’t known I was yearning for.?

Watching movies became our cherished pastime. Demi, true to her spirit, would vocalize her emotions, making every scene livelier. It was like a flashback to the time I was in Dayton, Ohio, working at a movie theatre, observing the myriad of reactions from moviegoers. And then there was Christy, my wife, sprinkling her unique movie trivia, transforming each film into an educational experience.?

Demi's cravings took us on culinary adventures in both Jacksonville and St. Augustine. As we indulged in fresh fish cuisine, I saw my daughter and son-in-law as two souls intertwined in love and mutual respect, painting a canvas of a hopeful future.?

Christy, the anchor of my life, stood by my side, her presence calming the storms of my past, and reminding me of the beauty of the present. With her, I've found what it truly means to be authentic and to love deeply. Our eight years together felt like a lifetime of lessons and joy.?

The days sped by, but each left behind memories to cherish. Demi and Kelson's love story reassured me of the strength of bonds built on friendship. Their impending parenthood made me look forward to the future with renewed hope.?

As their visit ended, our hearts were heavy, but our spirits were high. We had truly lived those moments. And as I bid them goodbye, I found comfort in the thought that very soon, we’d reunite, welcoming a new member into our fold. The story of our family had many more chapters yet to be written.?