The photo above was taken just a couple of hours ago. All but one of my children have left to go back to college life. I stood on the driveway less than an hour ago and hugged them goodbye, told each one of them my "I love you's"...and then waved as I watched their rented suburban pull out of the driveway and then that turn that leads outside the private gates. It took a lot of focus on my part to keep from breaking down while we said our goodbyes but as soon as they made that turn, I was reduced to tears. My heart, I fear, is just not made for goodbyes. What a wonderful time it was to have them all....and especially my very first grand-daughter, Lucy, who came 'home' for the first time. She will be 12 weeks old tomorrow. My arms long for her already. And I still have kisses and hugs left to give. What am I ever to do?
My house was blissfully messy all week---dirty socks, blankets, clothes, shoes, baby things...all on the floor, dishes in the sink, laundry piling, food crumbs on the floor and counters....but it was pure bliss. I loved every minute of it. Now, I have to pick up and put things back in their pristine condition and all will be lovely to look at. There will be order and everything will be neat and tidy. Showroom condition. I'm not sure if I like it.
I love it that my children get along so well...and love each other so kindly. I love it that they are patient and generous with one another. We don't have any feuds or hard feelings... and I hope those things don't crop up. The important thing is to make sure that everybody talks to each other. I don't mind discussing problems or misunderstandings before they fester and relationships are damaged and no one remembers exactly how it happened. I know. I've lived it. I still live it.
And because I don't like it, I don't want the same to happen to my children. So I decided on two important principles that I MUST abide by:
1. NO GOSSIP AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS. I must encourage them to talk to each other, to settle their small differences before they fester. I must remember that if there's no dialogue, separation spawns festering when bad feelings become worse. I have to be the example and not say anything negative about any member of my family. (OMG, how can anyone?) I must not allow others to criticize. Period. That is not allowed. But dialogue is much encouraged.
OK. That's only one. It's the only prevailing thought that I have right now. Probably because I'm so affected by the ravages of this tempest. Gossip is a habit that creeps up on everyone and before they know it, they can't get out of its vicious trap. Gossip is just so....pedestrian. My family is so precious. I must be vigilant. I must maintain bliss.
And because I don't like it, I don't want the same to happen to my children. So I decided on two important principles that I MUST abide by:
1. NO GOSSIP AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS. I must encourage them to talk to each other, to settle their small differences before they fester. I must remember that if there's no dialogue, separation spawns festering when bad feelings become worse. I have to be the example and not say anything negative about any member of my family. (OMG, how can anyone?) I must not allow others to criticize. Period. That is not allowed. But dialogue is much encouraged.
OK. That's only one. It's the only prevailing thought that I have right now. Probably because I'm so affected by the ravages of this tempest. Gossip is a habit that creeps up on everyone and before they know it, they can't get out of its vicious trap. Gossip is just so....pedestrian. My family is so precious. I must be vigilant. I must maintain bliss.
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