The somewhat giddy anticipation experienced when getting ready for a date night never really left me. My dates have certainly run the gambit from awkward teenage evenings to a decidedly more sophisticated version with the passage of time. But preparing for an evening out has always been something I’ve relished.

How many times have I stood in front of the closet coordinating my outfit and shoes while dreaming of the evening ahead? Then, after trying on several sets of jewelry to get just the right look, came careful attention to hair and makeup. And after all that preparation, I occasionally looked in the mirror and decided that I needed to start over!

To someone who doesn’t care much for such things, this might sound like a horrible waste of time, but it’s really just part of the fun. I like dabbling with color and trying to get the right look whether it’s on a wall or a face! And since I’m nearing the big 6 0, the palette I’m working with is not the smooth and flawless version of years ago, but the experience is much the same. I just overlook those laugh lines, and continue on.

Last week, Mike was out of town, but I had an evening planned with a special man. He’s one of the loves of my life, really. When he walked into the room, and his eyes met mine, my heart definitely skipped a beat. That handsome face never fails to put a smile on mine, but this evening, particularly, is one I’ll always remember.

Gauge’s eyes twinkled as he gave me a big bear hug. That darling grandson of mine snuggled down contentedly with a cartoon while his dad and I sank into the sunroom sofa to discuss whatever came to our minds. My adult children are no less the light of my life than when they were Gauge’s age, and they all know it.

After Robby left, Gauge bundled up and skated along the driveway on his new skateboard. I got on it, but that was about as far as that went! The cold soon drove us back indoors, and we bounded up the stairs to play a little ping-pong. We bought the table several years ago, but Gauge is just now really getting the hang of it. Soon we worked up an appetite, and headed to Ryan’s for dinner. On the way, Gauge chattered away.

“Gigi, I have a new club. It’s called the ‘Black Fox Club.’ I’m in charge, and Mama is next in charge.”

“Sounds exciting! Do I get to be in your club?”

“Sure. You can be the official hugger. That way if one of my friends gets hurt you can give them a hug. If I get hurt you can give me a hug, too.”

“That’s great, Gauge. I love to give hugs.”

“Yea, I know. That’s why I picked you for that spot.”

Such a simple exchange, but my heart fairly burst with joy. I pray to always be the person Gauge thinks I am.

Jan Penton Miller can be reached at lilsisjan@yahoo.com.