At the end of a day

Last Friday night Eric and I attended his Geology Department Awards Banquet. We went last year, but didn't make it the year before when Eric actually received an award. (He was very surprised to find a framed certificate and a gift card in his box the next week!) Eric had volunteered to take tickets and wanted me to come along.

It isn't very often that I get to enter "Eric's world," and see what he encounters on a daily basis. I enjoy seeing Eric interact with people he knows well from school. The dining room at the Faculty Club was short two places, and we just happened to be the last two to find a seat (since Eric was taking tickets and we didn't join in on cocktail hour). So, we cozied up at the end table and sat next to some of the professors at the banquet. One professor Eric has worked with a lot in the last few years paid Eric a compliment. It is always a moment of pride and gratitude when you hear your spouse being praised by someone else in front of you. He was complimenting Eric on his being quick to volunteer and always willing to give service. When someone sees something that needs to be done, instead of going and telling someone else that there's a problem, the one who just dives in and takes care of it stands out. He said those are the qualities he looks for when recommending a student. Eric is a great example to me of quickly and willingly volunteering to help. I think it has opened doors for him and has brought a lot of blessings.

As we were walking back to the car after dinner, we walked through the new Gateway area of campus. I looked around at all the carefree college students, celebrating the end of another quarter, drinking with friends, listening to loud music. I saw couples on dates and sensed the awkwardness of conversation. I saw cars driving by with every seat taken, off to some party or celebration. I thought briefly about my time in college, and the enjoyment I had then. The freedom and independence of first moving away from home, then the homesickness. I thought about the carefree days of sitting around on campus, drinking chocolate milk and napping on a practice room floor. And then gratitude washed over me. Gratitude that this OSU college life wasn't my life, that the carefree, up late, loud music, out with friends life isn't mine. I craved the feel of my kids in my arms. I was anxious to get home and read them bedtime stories. I was looking forward to the quiet calm after they were asleep. I love the security and comfort of my life. My married life. My mommy life. The life that makes our 2-bedroom apartment not just a place to live, but a place to love.

And the life I have with my family will always merit gratitude.