My college student came home yesterday for a long family weekend. I pick him up from the train station.

Dog in car with me for the big reunion? Check.
Surprise at how more grown up he looks even after a few weeks away? Check.
Home cooked meal prepared and happily devoured (after all, it doesn’t take much to top cafeteria fare)? Check.

“Mom,” my Soph-person says with a mischievous smile later that night. “I brought you a present.” Of course, he was the real gift. The dirty laundry? A mere goody bag.