Yesterday I went to urgent care. I had a sore throat, and my doctor had no openings. It was super disappointing because I actually had plans in the morning to see my grandson, and in the evening to go out of town for my sister’s birthday party.
It was the rare occasion that everything was already set up. After my insanely long bout of pneumonia and being tethered to my nebulizer for so long, I was looking forward to it with enthusiasm.
Of course, par for the course, life had other plans.
Instead of being just a 24-hour nuisance, it got progressively worse, keeping me up until 4 a.m. Wanting nothing to do with another bout of contagious illnesses bombarding my family, I begrudgingly knew it was the responsible thing to do.
If you hadn’t guessed, I’ve had a punch card for doctors lately.
After being seen, I was very happy to find out that I didn’t have strep or Covid. I was prescribed a steroid for my yucky-looking throat, and did a couple of no-contact errands. Thankfully, my medication was ready for pick-up at the perfect time, so I was able to grab it on the way home.
As I pulled up to my house, I saw the familiar and tall silhouette of my sweet boy within seconds of pulling up.
“Hello, sweet boy,” I said as I put down my purse and took off my shoes at the door. “How are you?”
He gave me the sweetest smile, his face lighting up and putting a sparkle in his big brown eyes. A tendril of an auburn curl framed his face. I tucked it behind his ear. He had the remnants of chocolate around his lips as he wrapped me in a big hug.
Actions speak louder than words couldn’t be truer, I thought as I kissed him on the cheek.
My husband entered the room.
“Guess where he sat until you got home?” he asked as a big smile brightened his face.
I shrugged my shoulders as I picked my medicine up and stopped to listen. He pointed to the black leather office chair. It was angled toward the window. I raised my eyebrows, perplexed as to why.
“As soon as you left, he sat right there,” he said, motioning to the chair. “He didn’t get up. He was watching the window for you. He even watched most of a movie too.”
My eyes widened. You see, my boy isn’t one who usually sits for long. For him to actually sit through an episode of one of his favorite shows is a rarity most days, so a movie? That was huge!
My heart felt like it could burst. My boy was still standing right next to me, waiting for my next move. I knew he would follow me, and I would happily agree. A huge smile plastered on my face as I hugged him this time.
“I love you so much, I said, looking him right in the eyes.
There are many moments when I wonder what he’s thinking. Since he doesn’t always communicate in words, I never assume. I know he loves me, though. That is quite apparent.
As they say, actions speak louder than words…and his actions say it all.
Originally published on the author’s Facebook page
by Elizabeth North 
by Deidra Darst 
