Many years ago, when I was in my mid-twenties and had been, for the most part, on my own for a while, there was a moment of mere seconds that I can recall with great clarity.

I had left home when I was eighteen and although I had a small smattering of family on both U.S. coastlines, I was alone in the great state of Texas and had been for many years.  Because of distance, seeing family was restricted to holidays every couple of years.

I wasn’t lonely.  I had a lot of friends and a healthy social life.  I was active and filled my days with work and play.  I lived by myself and preferred it that way, as opposed to having a roommate.  Having my alone-time was a precious necessity.  But there were times when I missed … something.

I had begun dating a very nice young man with Texas in his blood.  He wore cowboy hats, big silver belt buckles and boots and he would take me to the dance hall on weekends.  I learned how to two-step and waltz quite well.  He was a good lead.  The man came from good stock and his family was as kind as he was.

One weekend, I traveled with his family to College Station for a Texas A&M football game and the annual bonfire tradition.  It was the last year A&M would have a bonfire, and I was lucky enough to have witnessed one.  A year later, the bonfire collapsed and the fatal disaster ensured its discontinuance.

His family had a small getaway home there.  The evening after the game, we came home weary from the day’s excitement and his mother allowed us to sleep in the same bedroom, but in two separate twin beds.  For propriety’s sake, she stayed between us as we crawled into our separate beds to ensure it was our own beds we were getting into.  As I put my head on the pillow, she turned off the lights and sat down on my bed.  In motherly fashion, she leaned over and, to my surprise, kissed me goodnight on the forehead.  She looked at me and I stared at her.  She smiled gently.

It may have been nothing to her.  Just instinct.  And I wasn’t a child but a grown woman.  Yet, in that instant – I felt as warm and peaceful as a child in the arms of a loving mother.  How many years had it been since I felt that way?  I wasn’t sure, but I knew it was long before I even left home.  A goodnight kiss may not seem so remarkable to most people, but for someone whose childhood was unusually devoid of such simple affections – the act stood out.

As quick as it happened, the moment was gone.  But not truly gone because I will always remember that simple act of kindness and the way it made me feel.  I felt normal.  I felt loved.

It is amazing how such a simple thing can create such a wonderfully indelible memory.