Dinner With the Kids

First time I have dinner at Kiel's house. I am delighted to be invited. I had to turn down the Christmas invite. Drew and I pull up after church and climb the steps to their one bedroom apartment. Everything looks cozy and comfortable. The table is set with their wedding china and looks lovely. Kiel and Andrea have the kitchen dance down to a science. Their closet kitchen is difficult for one person to function in, let alone two, but they do it beautifully.

Soon we are gathered around a table laden with chicken and potatoes and salad and rolls. Andrea is a good cook. The conversation is cheerful and the food delicious. Its nice to sit together at a table. Drew and I have such different schedules that we rarely eat together, even on weekends lately. I will be glad when Robotics is over and Drew is around a bit more. I am happy that he is enjoying the challenge and learning so much about mechanics. Still, I miss him.

I guess I need to get used to being the one alone now that I am nearly devoid of children living home. I have to let Drew go as I have done with the other boys, and learn to connect with him on a different level. Now it will be phone calls and emails and the occasional visit. Yes, that is what is normal as they go off and find their own way.

But for today, I will be thankful for a living room filled with children I love, chatting and enjoying each other's company. I am tiring, but reticent to give in. I am getting old. Now I am the grandma who dozes on the couch while the young are full of vinegar. Ah, well. Might as well squeeze all I can from the grapefruit while the squeezing is good.