True love displayed

My parents just came to town last week. It was a wonderful visit, and we were thrilled at the opportunity to spend some time with the two dear people we love so much, and see in person so rarely.

• The time went so well that even the 2-year-old, who had never met them, sidled up to Poppa and was showing him something or other within moments of their arrival.
• The future fairy/policewoman was in her chiffon and sequined fairy uniform (wings and head garland included) fresh out of the gift bag from GiGi and Poppa.
• Her sister was in her gorgeous Belle costume (the Disney Princess from Beauty the Beast), from the same source.
• And the elder brother Lego/StarWars addict and twin of Belle was doing puzzles in the books also brought by my parents, who know what he loves.

In other postings, I've talked a little about some of the ways we show our love. I've said that one way is whether or not we're willing to be inconvenienced for another person. My parents showed enormous love last week, because I know very well that the trip came at a high cost to them physically.

Even for a young and healthy person, travel is draining, and has plenty of inconveniences in this post-9/11 world. For someone with health challenges, it can be too much work to be worth the trouble. That is, unless you are overcome with love, as my parents were. They made the very great effort of coming and paying the physical tolls in order to see us. Now they are paying the price to recover from seeing us. And it does take real time.

I am honored to have parents who act on their love, and don't just talk about it. They have been a gift to me in countless ways, but this is one more I count as real treasure. Thank you, dear ones. I see, and it means the world to me.

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.

Philippians 1:3