Weary, exhausted, and otherwise frazzled, I returned from a month long trip to Nebraska on Sunday.

I had been helping care for three grandsons under the age of 2. I undertook the journey north eagerly, glad for the opportunity to be there for them while their father was away working for a month.

The youngest, a newborn, started exhibiting colic symptoms almost immediately. I spent many days and nights rocking, patting, and swinging him in my arms, singing songs in hopes to soothe him.

The 22 month old twins and I fully enjoyed fall. We played in the yard, exploring the leaves – ripping them, tossing them in the air, crunching through them. I carved a pumpkin, and they peered inside the fibrous opening over and over, tentatively reaching in with an index finger to explore the slimy, seedy contents.

I also was the catcher of many tackles, giver of endless hugs, and reader of bedtime stories.

It was precious time, over much quicker than I could imagine.

A sixteen hour drive loomed ahead of me Friday, and I was grateful my husband flew up to help me drive home.

Monday arrived after the whirlwind of emotions that came with leaving my midwestern family behind. My heart was more than a little tender, and I missed my grandsons fiercely.

My nine month old grandson here in my home state greeted me with smiles on Monday morning. I was there when he was born, and have watched him every week since, two days a week, since he was born. I missed a whole month with him.

As my afternoon with him neared a close, he finished his bottle, rolling completely around on me, until his head was nestled under my chin, and his arms encircled me in a hug.

For a full fifteen minutes, he hugged me, laying still and quiet. Once or twice, he lifted his head to smile at me, and then resumed his embrace.

Next, he sat in my lap and I made funny faces at him, and we laughed for a full 15 minutes.

It was absolutely therapeutic.

It seemed purposeful, and I don’t know if he missed me, or if he knew how much I needed that sweet baby hug, and his infectious laughter.

I left yesterday afternoon with the balm of sweet innocent baby pure love healing my tender, hurting heart.

I am a blessed Nana, indeed.