I Missed My Daughter, Her daughter returns from a year in Europe, I waited at the Airport, excitedly awaiting the arrival of my daughter, Sophie. She had been away for a year in Europe, taking a gap year off to travel after completing high school and before starting University. I had spoken to her on several occasions, but after a year I really wanted to see her in person, I had missed her so much.
The arrival board had said her flight from London had landed, but still no sign of her. I suddenly spotted a large group of new arrivals, and then I spotted her. She was looking around, carrying just a backpack, my eyes willing her to look at me. When our eyes finally locked, it produced us both to smile excitedly. Without a luggage trolley, she was able to quicken her pace and weave through the people until we were both in each others arms.
“I missed you so much mom.” she said.
“Not as much as I missed you, a year is too long.” We stood together for a few moments before it got too crowded and I led us outside towards the car. “Where’s Claire?”
“She met someone in London, last night. And before we left this morning she told me she wanted to stay a while.”
“Barbara will not be happy, does she know?”
“Yes, she said she phoned her mom before she told me.”
“Well, it is good to have you back, let’s go home. I have cleaned your room, fresh sheets on your bed, so you should be able to have a good night’s sleep.”
“Thanks mom, I might need a couple of night’s good sleep just to get over the jetlag.”
We got into the car and I drove us home, it was a 3 hour drive home, and Sophie slept quietly the whole way. We eventually arrived home and I parked in the driveway. Sophie looked so sweet and peaceful as I watched a moment as she slept, but in the end nudged her awake.
“Sophie, honey, we’re home.”
“Oh, sorry mom, I can’t believe I fell asleep. I wanted to keep you company during the drive.”
“You did, having you next to me and home, is just what I needed. Plus you need as much rest as you can get, you start university in less than a month.”
“I actually feel really good right now, I think that sleep really helped.” We went into the house and I suggested Sophie grab a shower and get comfortable, while I’ll get lunch started. I made a Chicken Ceaser Salad for us both and was ready about 20 minutes later. Sophie returned, dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, she looked so thin, but her legs and arms were very firm and muscular. We ate and talked, Sophie stating just how much she missed my cooking. Telling me all about the different places she stayed at, and some of the awful meals she had to stomach.
“Did you have a good time though?”
“It was amazing, so much life. Different cultures, food and people. I visited some amazing places, though I think I need to go to University. It got too much towards the end and even though I will be busy at University, at least I will be in one place.”
“Well you look ok, though personally you seem a bit thin. But you do seem to have gotten very fit.”
“Yes walking for miles every day will do that. I agree though, I do feel too skinny; I need to put a few pounds back on.”