My Loves

I rarely get the option to have a day to myself with little responsibility, but that’s exactly what I had this past Saturday.  I’ve been mom to a 12 year old for what feels like 30 years.  I don’t really remember life without him in it, but occasionally I get a  day where I don’t have to worry about breakfast, lunch and dinner for Grae, who is the most HORRIBLE, picky eater.  I’m not running him to a friends house or picking him up.  I’m free.

I planned a lunch date with my son, Shawn who no longer lives with us, and asked my daughter Alysa to come along.  We were meeting half way between mine and Shawn’s home.  The restaurant, The Back Porch, is a charming old home renovated back in 1972.  There are 3 floors counting the basement, which holds a small bar with some tables.  Beware if you’re over 6 foot tall, the ceilings are really really low.  Visiting this particular restaurant is off limits with my husband and a 12 year old.  For some reason, they don’t have the ability to really FEEL the ambiance of a room.  They don’t appreciate the presentation on the plate or the white table cloths.  But I do.  And so do my two oldest kids.  Yes, they will always be my “kids”. 

I’ve always felt like I taught my kids to feel comfortable in a slightly more upscale environment.  Giving them wings to fly includes this very sentiment.  They’ve each had opportunities to put their knowledge to work, so my work here is done,  so to speak. 

We had great conversation, and laughed and laughed, especially about some of Grae’s little comings and goings.  He’s always gonna be there, mentally if not physically. 

Later we shopped at some quaint little stores across the street.  Then it was off to the land of Walmart and Aldis.  More laughter ensued and before we knew it, the date was coming to a close, sadly. 

Being a mom is sometimes a lonely job.  Saying goodbye to your son that no longer lives with you makes you feel sad, but it also helps you to enjoy the time you do spend with him.  I still got to drive home with Alysa, but at 23 with a career, she’s doing her own thing with her own life.  Having a lunch date like we used to do, just me and her when it was her birthday, reminds me of how fast time flies.

Just to be part of these two awesome individuals lives is definitely one of my most favorite things. 

My Loves.