Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Home

There are two kinds of families in this world, the family we are born into and the family we make for ourselves once we strike out on our own. I have spent much of my time in Denver telling myself that my first family is the best I could have hoped for and that the one I began building all the way back in kindergarten with my friend, Karren, and up through high school and college was good enough, that it was too much work to develop friendships that are as strong and good and loving as the ones I already have. But I was wrong.

Andy and Sarah have invited me into their family, included me in weekend gatherings and special events. Today they watched over and cared for Duncan, fell in love with him like I love him, assuaged my fears and anxiety about leaving him with them, sent me pictures of him playing throughout the day, and simply put, have become some of the best damn people I know. It is a testament to their kindness and open-hearts that when I slipped into their home to pick up Duncan after work that he didn't even notice me, and once he did he didn't seem too overly excited at my presence. He had the time of his life today, playing with Kahlua and the kids, running wild in their backyard, begging at their table. Admittedly, it was a bit disappointing but after only ten minutes on their patio I understood how comfortable and happy he must have felt all day. Before I knew what was happening I was tossing a football with their son, something I have never done in my life and wasn't quite sure how to do, playing keep-away from the dogs, laughing and jumping and feeling perfectly at home. I am more truly myself with them than I am with just about anyone else I've met since Ken and I left Illinois.

The unexpected hour or two I spent with them after work was wonderful and as Duncan began to wind down, looking at me in that way he has, as if to say, "Hey, isn't there something focused entirely around me that you should be doing?" I found myself not wanting to leave. I wanted to stay and play and laugh as I do now when I am in the presence of my other two families. And so I stepped back for a moment and just watched them be what they are, human and joyous, and with a love for each other and life so strong that the occasional frailty of family doesn't even matter. I am privileged and lucky to have found them and grateful for far more than the fact that they tended to Duncan today.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am all teary - how adorable! Yea for Duncan being so adorable to allow them to love him like they do! Congratulations. Quality people sending you updates like that.

Thor and Jack said...

Curt and Duncan
I am so happy that you had a wonderful time with your friends!

woof
Thor

Greg said...

I'm glad to hear the day went so fabulously well. Photo updates throughout the day! My goodness...

"Hey, isn't there something focused entirely around me that you should be doing?"

I love that.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry, I'm still laughing over the image of you trying to throw a football! Got any video of that?

Seriously, I'm glad you have found people that you can connect with like family. I find it incredibly difficult to make new friends as an adult. Even harder to make the kind of friend that you want to take with you. I'm happy to know that it can be done!

Unknown said...

I'm so glad the day went well for Duncan! Happy for both of you!

Valerie Cummings said...

Its nice when you find friends that actually make up an "adoptive family". I love that for you!

Nik said...

I like the doggie smile on Duncan's face in that picture.

Chris and Mackenzie said...

What a perfect evening!

Anonymous said...

You and Duncan deserve such wonderful friends. I'm happy the day went well, and even happier that you had such a lovely evening with some of your "family."

Unknown said...

See, I told you he would be fine. I'm glad you've found such good friends. It makes life easier knowing that good people are looking after my guys.

Peacock And Paisley said...

Yay!! Glad to know it went so well and exceeded expectations.