Saying Goodbye

Its a familiar scene.

We all huddle around the baby gate at the top of the stairs which lead down to our side door landing.

JJ is hanging over the top of the gate chattering away about Daddy going to work " Bye, See ya. Bye bye. See you later. Work. Bye."

JR is bending over tying up his boots while Tiny Bear crawls over and pulls herself up on the gate. Shrieks and gails come from her as she tries to peer over the top standing on her tip-toes. She giggles as JR plays peek-a-book with her through the gate.

One more shoe to tie and then he reaches for his belt, slinging the suspenders over his shoulders and securing the velcro closure in place. That thing is heavy. JR checks everything is secure and then reaches for his vest followed by a tussle of looking for keys on the shelf and his cell. As he shrugs into his jacket he is peppered with another list of "Bye, see ya, bye!" From JJ and a few more grunts from Tiny Bear.

JR leans over the gate and plants a kiss on each of the girls heads and I lean over them to say good-bye. "Have a good night. Be safe. I love you"

With one last kiss for me and the doll JJ is holding up to him, JR turns and walks out the door.

If only the world knew what a precious man we sent out to it every day.