Xavier's New Best Friend
Greetings to everyone.
Today was the memorial service for Xavier's Great Uncle Con, who died in an automobile accident last weekend.
With family coming in from around the country, Rebecca and I opened our house for some to stay. One of my cousins, Douglas (left), took up the offer.
Douglas arrived at DIA Friday afternoon, then took the A and W light-rail lines to Lakewood, where Xavier and I picked him up.
Being 5:30, we headed over the the Texas Road House for dinner. Xavier was the most behaved at a restaurant as I have ever seen him.
Xavier took to Douglas quickly. The two wrestled and rough-housed. I had to pull Xavier out of the basement to give Douglas a chance to shower before the service.
All day and through the evening, Xavier clung to Douglas, even sitting in his lap to watch a movie. He could not get enough of him. Xavier even called Douglas his "best friend."
Rebecca is out of town and I did not think Xavier would last through the service, much less give me time to speak with many of the mourners, so I brought in a babysitter for him.
Upon arriving at the venue, I regretted not bringing Xavier along. Four of his cousins from my side of the family were there, all of them within three years of Xavier's age.
Xavier has only met some cousins from Rebecca's side. Both Rebecca and I would like Xavier to know more of his extended family, especially on my side, which he knows so little.
Wow, a perfect opportunity for Xavier to meet the closest in age to him (and closest in proximity) of all his cousins. I kicked myself several times at missing this chance. I also noted that we need to get Xavier a dress shirt and tie for occasions which require such.
Thankfully, God redeemed the opportunity as only He can (except for the shirt and tie part; Rebecca and I will see to that). His solution allowed me to visit and reconnect, while providing a way for Xavier to meet these cousins.
After the service ended, Floyd and Jeanie, the four cousins' parents, wanted to get ice cream. They asked me to suggest a shop in the area.
They also asked me how far away I lived. When they learned how close I lived, they suggested picking Xavier up bringing him to the ice cream shop.
Wonderful!, I thought, and Thank You, Jesus!
The cousins took to Xavier instantly, the youngest pouncing on him with a bear hug before I had fully introduced him. Xavier warmed up to his cousins a little slower while eating his ice cream with them.
They raced and played tag for and shared whatever five year-somethings share around an ice cream parlor table.