I took this picture four summers ago. We’d gone camping a month after we’d moved out of their dad’s house. I often wonder what Will was thinking while he was sitting and waiting for the ‘big one’ to land on his line. I hope he was thinking like any other boy doing what he was doing – that he was thinking about fishing.
I don’t want to believe that he was thinking about not living at his dad’s. I don’t want to know that he was wondering or worrying about what was happening to his eight year old life.
__________
Fast forward to today.
I was cleaning up the breakfast dishes, and I looked up at the calendar for something.
Suddenly it hit me.
Conceivably, if things go according to ‘plan’ – not my plan – he’ll only be under my roof for about six more years.
(If any of you had your empty nest plans thwarted, I don’t want to hear something like, “He’ll never leave in six years.”)
I am not counting down the days to the empty nest phase. I am not thinking that my life will begin once they are out of the house.
I don’t want them to hurry up and grow up. I’m not in a rush for them to get out of my hair. I’m not on the fast track to crossing their childhoods off the list.
In the meantime, we’re going to slow the calendar down a bit, and spend more time trying to catch the ‘big one’.
Tags: child of narcissist, divorce, humor, life, survive
My ‘baby’ is a junior in high school, another year and he is gone. Hold on to Will and Jen as long as you can, it is over in a blink of an eye….
Annie,
I so remember when yours were little people clinging to your legs.
I love how much you love your kids.
Thank you.
Donna,
I lucked out when Will and Jen picked me.
I am trying to slow down time myself right now.
Michael’s end of year exams start at the beginning of November. Then it’s all the “Leavers” events (like graduation). Then we have him home for the summer and then it’s off to high school and full time boarding! I’ll only get to see him a few weekends a term and he’ll get to come home most Sundays for most of the day.
It has been tough on all of us getting used to weekly boarding (4 nights at school and 3 nights at home). He’s grown up so much this year. I look at him and wonder where my little boy went.
Cherish every moment with Will and Jen!
I’m sure thankful there are still 2 more at home!
Kate,
When I think of strong, I think of you.
Thank you! That means a lot to me.
Kate,
Skype is on my list. Promise.
love you