Our granddaughter, Bethany Mabe, composed this Jan 3 and it means so much to me!

Finally Home
Warm cabin, glowing from the lamps and probably a fire somewhere in a nearby room. There’s a chair by the door and a coat rack with one more hook. It might be night outside, but the cabin might just be cozier than the outdoors at all. The wooden front door opens toward us so we can’t see out. A tall man with a shock of white hair (or is it gray hair, and a shocking mustache – how do you remember him?) peeks his head into the house. He pushes a small rolling suitcase, warm brown leather jacket laid through the handle, into the room in front of him. He looks around and steps in – not marveling at the house the way new guests do – he’s looking for someone he knows is home.

“Anyone home?”

“Of course I am!”

A voice calls back from somewhere else in the house. He closes the door behind him and spots the voice. His best and oldest friend comes into view. Both are grinning, and the man puts out his arms to greet his best and oldest friend. The men embrace and hold it for just a moment – it’s been a while.

“Come on, Dad’s just in the other room.”

His best and oldest friend claps his shoulder, and he is led, out of view, into the next room.
I’m sure in the next room he gets another hug, another clap on the shoulder, full of all the pride a Father could have.

“You did good, Dennis”