Only when she happens to call during some trying time in my life does this happen to me. Often she will say something poingnant, something that connects solidly with whatever is going on at the moment. It happens with my dad too, just as infrequently.
I think it gets to me most often because even after all the arguments, the rough times, the apparent fall-outs, I still love her, she really does care, and is there when no one else seems to be. I take her for granted far too often, and when her calls are well timed, I realize this all over again and it is the straw that breaks my emotional camel’s back, so to speak. I know that those times, I can’t help but fear the days when she’s not around to call me, and then I regret all the time in our relationship that was needlessly wasted. It doesn’t help that she’s 2300 miles away, and I can’t just hug her tightly to convey my appreciation or apology. The feeling that wells up and causes the tears is a combination of nostalgia, guilt, frustration, love, and relief; Overwhelmingly complicated and built on a lifetime of interactions.
Oh jeez, now I’m tearing up just thinking about it.