When Jill Comes to Visit

My daughter flew in from Dallas to visit for a week. We love it when she comes because she doesn't come for a "visit" anymore as she did when her kids were young or when we were younger. Now when she comes it's usually to help us out in some way. When the folks get older they can't do all the things they used to be able to do, so even the grandkids get involved with helping out when they come for a visit.

Last year Jill came to drive us to Nebraska to see our sons. Ron hates to drive, and that was just too long a trip for me to be behind the wheel, and I don't fly, so she did the honors since she is a very good driver and loves to drive.

This time she came bearing gifts, a Nebraska gym bag for Ron, and a cute tea towel with little dachshunds on it for me. But while she was here she refused to be idle, and that's when she gave me one of the sweetest gifts ever. Every day I am so grateful.

Before she came she had asked me to give her something to do while she was here, so I suggested that she help dad finish up the refurbishing of the screen room on our deck by helping him put new screens in the windows. I really didn't understand what I was asking, I guess. I didn't think I was asking much, but I forgot who was going to be doing the work. Not everyone works in the same way that I work. Those two are much more methodical that I.

As it turned out, it took them the whole week to finish the job. It really was a pleasure watching and listening to them work because they get along so well and work well together. They both worked hard, but she worked harder. She was out there stapling screen when dad was in the house claiming he was just too worn out. She went out early, and she stayed out late, wanting to get it all done before she left for home.

By Friday the screens were in, even if the trim wasn't all done, and Jill decided to come along with me to my hairdresser and then she treated us to manicures. She and I even got to sit together during the manicure which made it so much more fun. That night she treated dad and I to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, so it was a fun day.

So, she really, really came bearing gifts. But, my favorite gift, the one I experience every morning, is the gift of the screen room where I can go in the mornings and have special time alone with my Savior and King. Jill can never know how I cherish this gift. I love the towel, the time with her for a manicure, the delicious meal, all were wonderful, thoughtful gifts. But, I'm not sure she can ever top this special present of the screen room.