I remember a day when Ethan was about four, before Archie was even born. I was making lunch for Ethan and Sara and nursing and caring for baby Molly.In my memory, I am standing near the kitchen counter with Molly in my arms and Ethan turned his big blue eyes to me and said, "Mommy, what are you going to do when we all grow up and go away?"
I remember being speechless at the question but he filled the silence and answered it himself, "I think you should take a nap."
So, nap I did yesterday after getting home from a 1500 mile, 4 day journey to see my four children off to their independent lives.
I'm sad that it's all over but excited for them, excited to have a front-row seat on what their generation will accomplish and excited to see what the future holds for me now that there are fewer personal responsibilities.
For the last nine years, I have tailored my law practice around the needs of my family and my personal need to be available for them. I am so grateful that being self-employed allowed me that opportunity but I'm kind of looking forward to putting more energy into my work. People won't know what to do when they call my office after 3 p.m. and get me instead of my voice mail.
Charlie and I can travel or go out to dinner on a whim instead of thinking and planning it all to death. We will spend less on groceries. The house will be clean when I come home. There will be less laundry. I won't know who wins this season of America's Next Top Model or what Brittney Spears and Lindsey Lohan are up to--but I can probably live without all of that.
Just like Sara said in a thoughtful entry on her blog "This is the natural progression of my life, the logical answer to my current condition."
11 comments:
Enjoy. The little birds will return with other little birds and once again you will need to plan around their comings and goings. Pappy
I'm glad your trip went well, I pray God protects them in all their endeavors. I also pray God calms the seas and spares Maine and the entire northeast region.
I do not like thinking of graduation day, 2018. I'm sure we'll be ready when it happens, although you're probably never ready for them to leave. I'm glad your 4 are doing what makes them happy, which is the ultimate goal, is it not?
Yes,Pappy said it best, enjoy that empty nest.
I know you probably don't indulge in pride, but you should. You should be very proud of the wonderful job you have done raising the 'four' to be such well adjusted happy adults. Each on his own path, making their way in the world to help make it a better place.
Now, as you said, more time for you and Charlie, more time for you career. and yes, even more time for you. Enjoy this time Beth as it does not last long. Soon there will be grands and parents who will need you and your time.
I still cannot shop for less than five and miss my daughters terribly even after 2 years. Thank goodness for computer contact. Keep safe and dry in the storm!
And one day, your clean house, quiet TV, dinners on a whim, and time to spare will be second to your longing for all the chaos once again. Really.
(That is until they come home and leave your place a mess.) LOL!
It's always bittersweet I suppose, but if you focus on it the way you have in this post, it is a good and healthy thing. :c)
I am sure that you will find plenty of things to occupy your new found time with.
I, too, have tailored by law pratice around the needs of my children and at this point as they are in the full force of teenage angst, wondered whether I am doing the right thing. Your post reassured me I was. Thank you.
Beth, you have a very wise child!
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