Time Together

This weekend Laurie and I changed our plans of doing things around the house and went to BYU to spend time with Atkin and his girlfriend, Allyson, for his 19th Birthday.  On the way, we spent the night in St. George at my Mom and Ralph's.  We arrived about 10 pm, greeted each other with hugs and kisses and visited for a while before going to bed.  There is something about being present with the person and visiting.  We could have shared the same information on the phone, but being present and creates a whole different experience.

When we arose to get on the road, mom and Ralph were already up, even though it was still dark at 7:15.  We again got to visit and hug and kiss and see each other as we departed.

Laurie and I arrived in Provo and got to our seats for the BYU vs UNLV Football game just after BYU scored 7 points.  We were across the stadium from Atkin and decided to meet at half-time, under the south bleachers.  I was waiting when Atkin and Allyson walked up from my side, so I saw them at the last minute.  My immediate response was to reach out to Atkin and hug him close, before even really looking at him.  Then I shook Allyson's hand as we were introduced and then I got a chance to look at them.  When Laurie arrived a moment later, the scene was repeated.  It's interesting that the desire to touch is such an overwhelming immediate response.   I think it's because our spirits love that close contact and "feeling" each other, even if just for an instant - a longing to reconnect and bouy and lift and be edified.

After the game, we met up again.  Then after time sampling chocolates, browsing together at an art gallery, having a fun meal at Tucanos Brazilian Grill, opening gifts at the dorm, and attending Sacrament Meeting with Atkin the next day - we again lingered in the hall and hugged and kissed and held hands as we parted.  A stop at Becki and Paul's, in St. George, which included a brief visit from mom just before we departed, resulted in the same things - hugs, kisses and holding hands.  Then arriving at home we were greeted with hugs, kisses and hand holding.  Even Penny lingered and leaned her head against me harder and longer than she normally does.  Physical touch and spirit touching spirit - what a wonderful way to connect!