he was at his cousins house and I picked him up after a bridal meeting. we got in the car and he tells me he wants to spend the night at max and drakes. I say no and he looks at me.
“but why can’t I spend the night?”
“because” I say brilliantly, trying to think
“you can spend the night tomorrow night okay after the movie you all are going to”
he just looks at me, he isn’t going to throw a fit, or anything, he just looks at me and says “I would like to spend the night tonight not the day after today” he knows there isn’t any reason for him not to. but he’s patient while I work it out.
and what can I give as a reason no, I will miss him too much, or we bought wings for dinner and he loves wings, he loves his cousins too
“okay lets check with dad” I say and pick up the phone, he plugs his ears.
“why are you plugging your ears, no one is mad, we just love you and daddy will want to know what’s going on”
so he unplugs, and waits, dad gives the go a head, says good night and I unbelt him from the car seat “but I get to take a picture” I say which is lame but what can I do, I’m going to lose my Saturday morning noodling on the couch, I was always homesick and never spent the night away when I was little, now it’s the opposite, I’m homesick and he is spending the night away
he stood still twice and
he was off
KateOh, yes. They grow up very fast, sweetie. You did, too. First you were this serious girl with a great smile and an abiding interest in good stories. Then you were a teenager with mood swings and an interest in boys and a great deal of responsibility thrust on your too-thin shoulders. Now, you are a wife and a mother and a professional and you’re doing great.
I’m proud of you and you are, deep down, proud of Ares. Still, there is a tug and a hurt when your child pulls away, even for a night. That tug is the love ties stretching a bit to accomodate his personal growth. The hurt is knowing he needs you just an miniscule bit less, but that it’s a symptom of things to come. You’re doing everything right, but that’s notmuch comfort sometimes, is it?
jasfitzThis story warmed my heart in a sweet, familiar way. There is a twinge of sadness, but it’s such a good thing, really, this growing up. My mum always said, “It’s not you who has to grow up, really… it’s me.”
Really enjoying your blog.