Gemotions

The air in the room was thick with perfume and the scent of catered food. Eleanor smoothed her skirt, feeling the familiar flutter of nerves in her stomach. Her parents, side by side, radiated joy. She was happy for them, and the joy she felt for them felt profound.

She began, “Mom and Dad, this is a milestone. It’s a privilege for me to be here today.” She had seen her parents face all the challenges life threw at them, and their fortitude had always amazed her.

Eleanor thought of her mother’s infectious laugh, the way her father always knew how to make her smile. The way her parents would hold each other's hands, their love for one another obvious to anyone who would look. She remembered all the times they’d sacrificed their own wants and needs to ensure she and her siblings had everything.

“You taught me the importance of kindness, of generosity… and of simply… being good people,” she said, her voice warm. She saw her mother's eyes glisten with tears. The warmth she felt inside increased.