The Long Drive Home

For the last three years, D has been my driving companion.  She has been my good listener (before she could talk) and my running dialogue.  We had a 45 minute drive (each way) to where I worked and she went to preschool.  On the way to school, we would talk about what the day had in store, who she would see, what she would eat, who she would play with, how she would act, etc.  On the way home, we would recap her day by talking about who she played with, what she ate, who she saw, etc.  Do you see the pattern? 

I have listened to countless hours of "her music" and even more hours of her little voice.  My D is quite the talker, I wonder where she gets it from!  Little L only spent 3 months riding along listening to the talkative one.  Now, in addition to having this precious talking (or listening for me) time, I also had the advantage of the HOV lane.  I could fly (OK go about 30 mph) down 635 past the 35 interchange looking at all of the single driver cars and feeling good.  I remember getting pulled over in the HOV lane, driving the Civic, because they couldn't see the baby seat that D was in. 

Since I started my new job in early August, I have been car ride companion less.  For the first few weeks, it was AMAZING!!!  I can listen to whatever I want, I can keep the air conditioner at the temperature I want, I can have peace and quiet.  Then, last week, I realized that I missed the constant chatter.  I missed hearing about D's day and hearing her sing made up songs really loudly and out of key (every key).  I get lonely on my drive into work and home again.

Today, the husband had a dentist appointment.  Because of the timing, I had to pick up the girls.  I had to drive an hour away to pick up the girls and then drive them the 40 minutes home.  The drive to their new school was long, but mostly familiar since it is close to where the husband used to work.  When I arrived in her room, D was thrilled and she ran up to me and gave me a great big hug.  We walked to Little L's room (two doors down) and I was greeted with a dimpled smile.  On the way home, Little L "aahhed" and "cooed" for most of the drive.  D told me all about her day.  It was GREAT!!!  I truly missed this treasure of time.  I know that before long, this will no longer be a regular occurrence.  This is a blessing that I have had and I miss.  Big D, keep telling me all about your day and singing your songs.