Virginia is for Lovers

Ok, so I didn’t find love (or a lover) in Virginia. Well, kind of. My Virginia adventures have all center around my kids. I’ve been there a handful of times in the past two years, since my oldest son was stationed there.

My youngest and I have spent the past two Christmases there with the oldest and my daughter-in-love. It’s been fun to explore the area around Virginia Beach and Norfolk each time I visit.

For more than 50 years the state has held onto the slogan “Virginia is for Lovers.” The original slogan had “history lovers” as the main point. However, they wanted to market to a broader (and younger) traveling audience and realized people also came for their love of the mountains, the coast, and a host of other things.

I suppose you could say I go for love. I miss my son and daughter-in-love terribly. This last time I got to visit had been the longest I’ve been away from him since the day he came into my life. I know they’re supposed to grow up and venture out, but I still like to spend time with them.

A couple of weeks ago I went to visit, though my youngest son was not able to accompany me. It was bittersweet, though. I’m so grateful for the trip. I’m sad my youngest couldn’t. It will be the last time I see him until at least next summer due to his deployment with the Navy.

My boys haven’t been apart this long ever since the youngest was born. They have a special brotherly bond – they can be the best of friends or anger each other like no one else. It’s been such an incredible joy watching them grow into the men they are today. I consider myself especially blessed to be able to have been a part of it.

One of the most tear-jerking moments I’ve ever experienced is leaving after our first visit. My youngest and I got into our rental to drive to the airport and he started crying. That made me cry. Then my daughter-in-love. We all hugged some more then we left so we could get it together.

Watching their silly (and petty) arguments over the years doesn’t have anything on the bond and love they have, even though they haven’t openly expressed or showed it very often. I suppose it was easy for me to overlook that and not even realize how hard it was on them to be so far apart.

While I’ve enjoyed the restaurants, football games, baseball games, live music on the boardwalk, and so much more; the thing I’ve enjoyed the most is just spending time with the kids. I realize how special those moments are and capture as many pictures as I can. That way I can look at the photos when I miss them and remember the joy of being together.

There was a peace about the last visit that I can’t quite explain. Perhaps it’s because I know his plans of returning home. Or maybe it’s knowing that I’ll be going back in a few weeks to bring my daughter-in-love and the dogs home while he’s gone.

I was concerned about her being so far from us and her family, without him. Watching their love story unfold has been quite beautiful as well, and I’m grateful for the relationship we’ve cultivated. Mostly, I’m grateful for the love she has for my son.

On this last visit, the kids took me to a variety of restaurants in different parts of town. We watched a AAA baseball game (it was her first pro baseball game). One of the funnest activities was miniature golf (they tied, both beating me). We hung out on the couch and watched movies every night.

While the activities were simple, the memories are priceless. The more I travel and explore, the more I appreciate the people I’m making memories with. Everything seems sweeter when shared with love.

So, I suppose Virginia has been a place of love for me. Any time I pass through in the future, I’ll always remember the joy I’ve received there.