A Little Bit Humbling

Dada is in Oklahoma City tonight, preparing for his first rowing regatta in 25 years. (He is hopeful and determined.) As I prepared to leave Austin around mid-day, Annalee seemed more aware than ever of our impending separation. She hugged me tight and grabbed my shirt in her hand -- a first. Then she asked to be let down, ran to the other side of the house, and then bolted back toward where I crouched waiting to hug her and congratulate her on her speed. We repeated this five or six times, until her shoulders were rising and falling from breathing hard. Knowing that she would miss me during my overnight trip was a little bit sad, and a little bit humbling. How I would love to bring her (and Mama) back a medal.