Kissing Grandma

Sunday, April 6.  My last day in Bangkok!  Some errands to run, some loose ends to tie.  I started the day by visiting A Ma, who lives with Loong Tanate and Pa Nuannoi.  We were very happy to see each other.  I think that I am very blessed to be able to see her as an adult.  She always is so happy to see me and cries and says she misses me and thinks about me.  It is very touching.  Today, my new thing for the day was to give my grandma a kiss.  I gave her three in fact, all on her right cheek.  It felt very good and for a moment I was embarrassed that I had never done it before.  But better late than never!  We had always hugged before, but never kissed.

So we held hands for while, talked a little bit, and just each sat enjoying the one more chance to see each other and spend time together.  I know it's just a blip of time if I really think about it, but it is meaningful to me nonetheless.  The last three times I've seen her, I've wondered if it will be the last.  This time, like all of the other times, I told her that I would see her soon again.  I pray that, as long as she is comfortable, that I get that chance.  After about 15 minutes, she got tired and went into the bedroom to lie down.  I talked to my aunt and uncle for a while, then went into my grandma's bedroom to give her my three kisses and left.

I am a very lucky man.  I feel lots of gratitude.  I feel lots of love all around me.  I feel like my life is full of abundance.  Thanks to whomever thanks goes to.  Next time we talk, I'll be back in the States, back home.  I am ready.  Got some things done, had some fun, saw some people.  Time to get back to Michigan to make a little dough and to continue working on myself, my relationship with Paula, and most of all my big and bold plans and ideas.  I'm in the moment but excited about the future.  Cool.  See you all tomorrow, and goodbye and thanks to all in Bangkok.  We'll see you later!