He's Back

Kiel went to visit his brother and help out playing Santa in the mall -earn a bit of pocket money -before Christmas. It was good to see him when we went to Lake George for the family gathering at Mom's. I concentrated on my siblings while I was there - some of whom I had not seen in some time! It was a blessing to see everyone, remark on how the kids are growing up and maturing, catch up with house renovations and buildings, see pictures, connect.

I was a bit irked that Kiel decided to stay awhile longer, and ended up driving back to Rochester with Drew only. Not that Drew didn't appreciate some time off from sharing the bedroom. He was at one and the same time happy to have some space and lonely without the company. I'm sure Kiel also appreciated a break from the demands of Mom and the irritations of younger brother - not that we fuss about such stuff, but our apartment is quite small and we are rather on top of each other.

Although I appreciated the lower grocery bills and the unusual quiet, it bugged me that I felt such a disappointment about him staying. Perhaps I am getting soft in my old age. I have always encouraged the boys to find their own paths, to get out there on their own, to do what they feel God is calling them to do. Well, what can you do? I swallowed the unusual feeling and jumped in to the tasks I wanted to accomplish before the semester's demands would keep me from getting stuff done.

When Kiel's brother finally brought him back, I think he was as happy to be home as we were to see him. Of course, the living room has exploded with luggage and clothes and klediments. There are bags full of odds and ends everywhere, not to mention the overflowing laundry basket. Almost as soon as I got home from work we headed to Wegmans to get food (ouch for the checking account). Now I'm a bit distressed that he's back! Good Lord, I am never happy.

When the kids were babies I couldn't wait for them to get out of diapers, eat real food, walk by themselves. Now I love to be around my grandbabies because they are still in diapers, eat baby food, need to be held and cuddled. This is the same thing. I will focus on the good things about the time we have together now and not be in a hurry for him to either come or go. Just live in the moment and be happy.