Seems like old times…..a replay of my dream that came true…..
The house at night filled with kids crowded into the kitchen….greeting me with big smiles and big hugs….the sounds of boisterous boys……tromping up the back stairs to Daniel’s room…..waking up to a lazy Sunday morning….. making a big breakfast ……Daniel stretched out on the couch in his regular spot watching Entourage and Curb Your Enthusiasm.….
Am I dreaming? I rub my eyes. It’s real; as solid as my son’s strong arms when they enclose me in a hug.
It’s real; at least for the few hours left till Daniel starts on the long trip back home to school in Wisconsin, which is his “real” home right now .
It’s also real that this dream-that-is-not-a-dream will end when I drop him at the airport—the simultaneous national ritual going on today for millions of parents.
Tomorrow morning we all wake up again to our new reality— the reality of my favorite saying:
The best gifts we can give our children are roots….and wings.
Though sometimes having an empty nest might be sad; in its way, this new reality is also a dream come true:
Seeing them enjoy their roots and wings is the precious gift our children give back to us.
Aw, my son just left this morning. I’m always sad to see him go.
Your words are lovely and the timing perfect!
Oh, so true. Had to content ourselves with Skype images of daughter Nicole and grandson Max this Thanksgiving. Certainly better than the old image-less phone call, but not nearly as comforting as “abbraccioni” (BIG HUGS) given and received. You made the right … the only … choice this weekend.
I hear you: two voices of experience.
At least it does get easier the more they come and go–although it does seem like they GO way more often.
I love abbraccione”–I’m sure I’d massacre the pronounciation but we could use a word like that in English.
“The best gifts we can give our children are roots….and wings.” So true, Darryle!! The “roots” part….check! One pair of wings… accomplished! The other pair… growing steadily. As far as the “getting easier each time that they go” part, goes…..Well, I don’t find that to be true. For me, what makes it easier, are the video communications. Even though we are with our son, once, monthly, I find that I NEED the video communication. It’s amazing how we grow so dependent upon modern day inventions and technology. In some ways it complicates our lives and can be frustrating, but the peace of mind that it brings by feeling “connected,” is well worth it! Roots and stability AND wings to fly away as long as they fly back home, as quickly as possible!!! LOL