Here’s the usual scenario these days when I return home from work:

After I push open the wooden main door, I will see Darius sitting on the playmat playing with his toys. After noticing my arrival, he lifts up his head a little and opens his big round eyes wider to have a better look at me.

Since he’s relatively expressionless after spotting me, I’m given the impression that he does not recognise me at first sight.  He then brings himself to a standing position and walks towards me, taking a while before finally registering who this visitor is. It’s usually after I hug or kiss him that he will begin to open up and acknowledge my presence with smiles.

Yesterday, however, Darius had taken me by surprise with a complete change of behaviour.

After I pushed open the wooden door gently (just in case Darius happens to be standing behind the door), I did not see Darius sitting on the playmat. Instead, I saw him walking quickly towards me, with his arms wide open and a smile on his face!

Surprised by his actions but responding quickly to it, I kneeled down and gave him a good tight hug and thanked him for the warm welcome. ^^

Catherine later mentioned that when Darius heard the faint sound of the metal gate opening (he has very sharp hearing), he immediately stood up and started heading towards the door, seemingly knowing that I was coming home.

I’ve previously read about the heartwarming experiences of parents returning home to see their kids running towards them, calling out at them joyfully. Though Darius has yet to verbally call out ‘Daddy’ to me consistently, I am already feeling the joy from his warm welcome.

That is certainly another precious moment that parenting can bring. ^^

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