Of course I look at that blog title and all I can think about is when my father used to laugh and say that if my mother died before he did, he was going to put an Indian headdress on her, stick some cigars in her hand and then have her stuffed and shellacked and stand her in the corner like an old cigar store Indian…. wow! I came from some strange stock.
My original intent was to describe how Frank and I feel now that our baby.. our last little progeny, now has a car and knows how to use it. We were out running errands and pulled up to a 4 way intersection only to see flashing lights and emergency vehicles and what do you think our first thought was?
“Is it Liberty?”
Over reaction? Lack of confidence? Who knows.
I just know that until we could see who it was, we were so tense we would have shattered if you’d touched us. It’s amazing how impervious and indestructible your children believe they are. And once you are touched by any kind of physical failure, you realize just how fragile life really is. But try to explain that to a 17 year old girl who just got her license!!
Of course we have rules and try to keep close tabs on where she is, but we aren’t in the car with her and even if we were, we wouldn’t really be able to fix it if she made a bad split second decision. It’s a very difficult line to walk, the one between freedom and restraint. We have always wanted our children to be free thinking individuals capable of being responsible and self dependent citizens who contribute positively to their world. But at the same time, we try to be responsible adults who allow freedoms incrementally and have definite rules and consequences. I have to hope we’ve done well by our children and with the last child going through the difficult separation time for both parents and their older teens, I’m realizing that my role as warden is coming to an end and my role of consultant is moving into full swing.
What a strange transition.
Similarly, I’m also starting to learn what it is to be a “couple”.
After 25 years together (in November) Frank and I are finally given to long stretches of time where it’s only he and I. How odd…and how wonderful! I love my babies… they are my pride and my biggest accomplishment and I must say that my life’s work has turned out 4 astounding adults. But time with Frank, which during those 25 years has sometimes been fleeting, is food for my soul. If you’ve ever seen “The Dark Crystal”, I liken myself to the Skexis and Frank to an Everlasting Gobstopper of a Podling. He’s what rejuvenates me and makes me feel sane and whole, and to have him all to myself is such a joy! Maybe that’s why Daddy wanted to stuff Mom and put her in the corner, he just wanted her to be with him always.
Snippets and Tidbits 