This Christmas is wrought with change and a bit of sadness. I'm experiencing delayed empty nest syndrome considering my son left the roost decades ago, but he always came home to unwrap his Christmas presents and I liked it.
Now he has a stable relationship, one that will undoubtedly go all the way to old age and rocking chairs. He tells me he's 34 now, and I smile. He'll be my boy no matter how old he grows but I have to respect that he's building a new life independent of me, one that might only accommodate me on occasion because his heart and future is invested elsewhere, and so it should be.
And don't get me wrong, just because I'm whining doesn't mean I don't understand or even appreciate the change, I'm infinitely happy that he's settled and is writing new life chapters with a lovely mate. My hubby says the change is an indication of his moving on to a successful relationship and we rejoice in that. It's just that I'm an old dog that's grown accustomed to the traditions we made since Shane was a boy. I like having him around to see his face when he opens his presents. To me that's the real gift of giving, to see the expression of joy on the receiver....well, that's the desired reaction one hopes for. Discovering treasures under all the foil paper, ribbons and bows is not a commonplace event, it's a special bit of love waiting to be unwrapped. This year, my son will start building traditions in his own home with the woman he loves. I'm happy for him, but like the mother holding her five year old's hand as he embarks on his first day of school, letting go is bitter sweet.
And to his credit, he told me that if I really wanted him to come to our house Christmas morning to open his presents he would, and I loved that he is kind enough to offer....it's unspoken proof he loves me and that's the greatest gift I could ever receive. So we worked out that he and his girlfriend are coming by Christmas morning for breakfast but they will start their own tradition of gathering together with their two pups and two cats, under their very first tree as a couple, to unwrap all their goodies....except the one momma held back just so I can see that smile!
Merry Christmas all, keep safe and have fun!
Now he has a stable relationship, one that will undoubtedly go all the way to old age and rocking chairs. He tells me he's 34 now, and I smile. He'll be my boy no matter how old he grows but I have to respect that he's building a new life independent of me, one that might only accommodate me on occasion because his heart and future is invested elsewhere, and so it should be.
And don't get me wrong, just because I'm whining doesn't mean I don't understand or even appreciate the change, I'm infinitely happy that he's settled and is writing new life chapters with a lovely mate. My hubby says the change is an indication of his moving on to a successful relationship and we rejoice in that. It's just that I'm an old dog that's grown accustomed to the traditions we made since Shane was a boy. I like having him around to see his face when he opens his presents. To me that's the real gift of giving, to see the expression of joy on the receiver....well, that's the desired reaction one hopes for. Discovering treasures under all the foil paper, ribbons and bows is not a commonplace event, it's a special bit of love waiting to be unwrapped. This year, my son will start building traditions in his own home with the woman he loves. I'm happy for him, but like the mother holding her five year old's hand as he embarks on his first day of school, letting go is bitter sweet.
And to his credit, he told me that if I really wanted him to come to our house Christmas morning to open his presents he would, and I loved that he is kind enough to offer....it's unspoken proof he loves me and that's the greatest gift I could ever receive. So we worked out that he and his girlfriend are coming by Christmas morning for breakfast but they will start their own tradition of gathering together with their two pups and two cats, under their very first tree as a couple, to unwrap all their goodies....except the one momma held back just so I can see that smile!
Merry Christmas all, keep safe and have fun!
RSS Feed
