I don’t think I have more fun than hanging with my kids. Last night two of the three plus daughters-in-law were here for dinner, celebrating a birthday and anniversary (not mine). Easing into the weekend with a lot of laughter, some serous sidebars and multiple chances to wrap my arms around these amazing people who I love with all that I have and then some.
Adult children don’t necessarily say adorable, wondrous things that can delight both parent and reader. Their bodies no longer resemble the round, magically smelling perfection that I can still remember with all my senses. They have to bend down to kiss me – a completely inverted calculation. And yet, as often as we see each other (which is thankfully, often), as easily as we still share the thoughts in our heads and the secrets of our hearts – I am always left in tears when they head back to their homes. I cry with gratitude – they are the most remarkable people; I cry with disbelief, for I truly don’t know where the time has gone (I mean really – have you seen me lately? Who would think I would have a 30, 28 and 25 year old) and I cry because every time they go away, I want to keep them with me. Corny stuff, huh? I know, but there is no other way for love like this to be articulated – we’re past poopy diaper jokes, dirty baseball uniforms and unexpectedly found condom wrappers. What we’re left with is a perfectly imperfect family, that continues to return to itself to restore, renew and reaffirm this story which is as old as time itself.
My boys…my boys…
Waiting for the Karma Truck 
They’re lucky, too.
I’m lucky you are my biased, loving sister…xox
Okay, so what do I do with these tears?
You put into words what moms so often can only ponder in their hearts.
Put them in a special box which is full of the most precious elements of your life. And everyone in a while, when there’s too much ‘stuff’ going on, open it. And remember. hugs, m
Your love is so palpable I feel it in every word you write. May you continue to basque in its glow. The journey wasn’t easy, but it always has been the love and those amazing young men (and now their wives) that brighten your soul like nothing else(Andy included of course). I am filled with happiness for you on this beautiful morning as I head to the airport to pick up the two people who make me feel the same way. Nothing can be predicted. The bill of goods we were sold all those years ago, no exactly accurate, but as I read your words today, because I love you dearly my friend, I am overcome -kvelling for you for lack of a better description – and the best I can come up with is how you are so worth all that you have and all that you are! Lucky boys! Lucky wives! Lucky husband to share life with a woman capable of such passion, adoration and recognition for all she has. And, yes, I know what you’re thinking, it is you who are lucky. But, then again, luck had little to do with it. You get what you give. You, my friend, are a giver. So glad it’s all come back and fills your cup with love. ❤
Ok Jo,now I’m crying again..isn’t it amazing that there are no words that need to pass between us, for our strongest thoughts seem to pass to and from without a gap? Enjoy your weekend with Ben and Jenna – send them my love and know how much I love you,m
Having 37 and 34 year old sons I found this touching. Thanks Mimi
Thanks Dr. Bill – I can think of few other topics that catch in my throat more…have a lovely weekend.
Wonderful!
Thank you!
You always fill my heart and soul and leave me wanting more! Selfish? I don’t think so, I just love knowing you, sharing with you and having you and yours in my life…xo
We are an incredibly fortunate pair!! love, m
Oh, my poor aching heart. I pre-emptively empathize with your empty nest. The beautiful portrait you paint of mature, falliable, loving children makes it all worthwhile. Cheers to you, Mimi, for raising those boys!
Thank you Christine…I often think they grew up in spite of me not because of me. 🙂 They are remarkable wonderful people!
My mom always yells at me to move closer. But I know she does it in love. I completely understand.
I’m sure she does..:-) Have a great weekend!
You yanked on the mommy heart string… I too got to see my all my children last evening along with their spouses. Mine are 30, 28 and 26. They are my treasures and feel so blessed to have them. Watching them as young adults has been wonderful, yet at times I wish I could just scoop them up in my arms again, put them in a playpen and never let them grow up. Crazy…but we are moms.
Crazy love – that only moms get…and I totally get what you’re saying! 🙂
I’m getting there . . . just a couple more years before we become empty nesters. Sometimes I can’t wait, other times I get all choked up just thinking about it. My daughter leaves for Papigo, Greece on June 7th – she scored an internship there for two months. I’m so excited for her that I can’t see straight. On the other hand, I’m terrified. She’s 21 and yet, so naive for her age. I know she’ll grow up a lot this summer but letting go is so hard. Oh, and by the way Mimi, glad you ‘liked’ the picture on my blog . . . it was an error, don’t ask. Didn’t you wonder ‘what the heck” I was doing, posting that?! Thanks for the support anyway, te he!
I wondered, but I was going to support you regardless!! That’s how I roll…:-) And I know how hard it is to let go…the good news is that as they get older, they forgive you the reluctance!! 🙂
Thank goodness . . .
I totally get it Tina…crazy moms and crazy love..enjoy it!! 🙂
Oh Mimi…I can so relate. My boys, my life, are 28 and 24. One 400 miles away with my only grandchild (boo hoo) and the other 5000 miles away. I long for the so few and so far away Saturdays such as you describe. They are so wonderful aren’t they? I’m so glad you had a ‘so lucky saturday’. Sigh…………:)
I truly ached when the boys were far away from me, and I wish your boys lived closer. I remember that it almost caused a physical pain to miss them so much. I’m sending you abundant cyber-hugs and love..
Thank you…I’ll take it.
Whenever you need it, you know where to find me. 🙂
I count on it! 😉
Thanks for the follow… ah u remind me of when those precious kids had sweet smellin feet, they grow up with minds of their own, lives built on the foundations laid and love that is eternal… let the tears flow, enjoy each breath each moment as the precious gift it is … with challenges, with changes with times that are heartbreaking, times that are breathtaking, times that just are “you’re goin to miss this” and ohhh my! blessings to you and yours. drsherry
How do you make something as simple as a reply so eloquent? What a gift..:-) Thank you for stopping by..
What a beautiful and honest sentiment. You are lucky to be so close, geographically and emotionally. 🙂
You are so lucky to have your sons dear and near. My only son live miles away and I don’t get to share in the kind of closeness you’ve describe. When I read your message, I could feel the love that I miss and I reveled in your joy! Joy however we can get it! Thanks Mimi!
Knowing that you create joy wherever you go Marquita, makes the pain created by the distance between you and your son a bit easier to bear. I have no doubt that he carries your love with him wherever he goes, as you undoubtedly hold him close to your heart…Joy will always find you…