empty nest
Posted By becky on July 11, 2009
Three weeks ago, my parents went out of town for a week. After we dropped them off at the airport, Ben began to cry softly. If you have read more than three posts on this blog, you know that Ben and I are sorta close to my parents. “Sorta” being a gross understatement. Therefore, going a whole week without them was really hard on the little dude. Me? I just missed their cable.
The night they got back, as we were over there for dinner (and free laundry), my mom mentioned their next upcoming week long trip. She is doing yet another workshop on her amazing quilts at Sievers on Washington Island. Immediately upon hearing this news, Ben stopped his computer game, looked at his grandmother with sheer disgust and said, “WHAT?!!”
Because Natalie would rather vote for a Republican than bring pain and suffering to her grandchildren, a light bulb went off. “HEY! BEN! Come with us! You and Grandpa would have so much fun while I teach!” And off they went, literally running into the kitchen to tell my dad their great idea. Leaving me back in the computer room. All alone.
A lot of excitement, three nodding heads and a phone call to the resort later, it was a done deal. My child is going to be RIPPED from his mother’s arms for a whole week. Sunday through Friday. People! CAN YOU COUNT? That is SIX days and FIVE NIGHTS!!!!!
One night is fine. Freeing in fact. Two night, eh, that’s OK… a little harder but I can handle it. FIVE NIGHTS! Are you mad!?!? Are you deranged?!? Ben and I haven’t been apart that long… EVER!
Even though part of me wanted to protest and say maybe next year, I put on my brave face and then proceeded to make an obscene amount of plans. Plans with backup plans if Plans A and B fall through.
I know this will be great experience for Ben and my parents. It’s the perfect age, for all of them. Also, it will actually be good for Ben and I. Because, ah, clearly some separation wouldn’t be the worst thing. College is only 9 years away.
However, if you hear some whimpering and whining around the Madison area… it’s just me. A mother bear missing her cub.
Clearly you can take the child away from it’s mother but you can’t take the drama out of the mama!
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Oh boy I know this feeling and my son is 15. I’m betting you’ll make yourself busy…or you should. If I lived closer – Martini night? lol
Thanks Linda! For sure Martini night!
Amazingly, and granted it’s only been day 2, but it hasn’t been that bad. Again… I say this on day two while AT WORK!
ugh. i know exactly what you mean. monkey is going on a TWO week trip coming soon. last year it was 10 days. when she was 3, it was a little over a week. i realized i’m missing her again on her dad weekends. how am i going to make it two whole weeks? *sniffles*
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