When my kids grew up, went to college and moved out of the house I was fine. I missed them of course, but I didn't get tearful or depressed. I was happy that they were growing up, becoming adults and out on their own in the big wide world.
A few years later - enter grandkids.
It's a whole different ball game.
This last week my son, his wife, their kids and three of their pups came to visit. It was the kids' spring break and bless their hearts, they drove two days to get here so that we could see the grandkids. It was great. The kids have grown and changed so much in the last six months it's scary. They are smart and darling and good and funny and dear and I'm nuts about them.
Chaos was the name of the game for the three days of their short visit. Five dogs in the kitchen when one is trying to cook for six people brings new meaning to the term 'strategic placement' but since our house is dog friendly it wasn't really a problem. And, the time flew.
When they packed up to leave on Wednesday morning, I was anxious lest they forget something vital - like Syd's medicine or Seth's school shoes. But, when the smoke cleared and the silence descended, I sat down and cried. They were hardly out of sight when the overpowering feeling of emptiness hit.
For the rest of the day, I kept listening for the kids' sneakered feet pounding up the porch steps racing puppies to the door. And when I emptied the dryer of it's 27th load since Sunday I found a lone pair of Syd's socks mixed in with the towels. Now I understand what all the fuss surrounding empty nest syndrome is about.
Well, Cree's in town with her laptop so I'm able to read-up on everybody. Your blogs are great, mom. The kids stopped what they were doing to come see what I was laughing at. Sorry you're lonely with the kids gone, it'll be kid season at your house soon...summer is only 6 weeks away. Love you, kiss our Pal and the pups!
Posted by: Yvette Ivy | 03/27/2009 at 06:19 PM