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Slice of Life

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Giving Back

Our children are always a source of pride. They are now grown men with families of their own, well earned careers, and with homes to care for. It has been an honor to parent them, watch them grow, and prosper.
A few weeks ago they both flew home, from faraway places, to give a lending hand to their dad and me. It was decided in just minutes and put into place within hours. They arrived together having scheduled their flights so they could share a ride.
For forty-eight hours we returned to a world when our boys lived with us, ate with us, laughed with us, shared stories with us. We laughed and cried. We reminisced and looked to the future. Only this time, they shopped, cooked our dinners, did our dishes, and took care of us. One helped his dad with a project while the other made ice-cream for dessert.  This time they were giving back what had once been given to them.
I found myself starring at them, wondering when had this had happened?  When had the roles started to reverse that the children begin the role of caretakers when the parents need help?
Their impromptu visit was perfect. We got to snatch back a moment in time when we were all together each and every day. When we used to laugh together, cry together, eat together, and be together.
Whenever my kids leave, I usually cry after they are out the door. This time I didn't. My kids were no longer leaving. Grown men with families, homes, and careers of their own were leaving. Grown men, who will always come home not just for visits but when and if we need them.

6 comments:

  1. As a parent, you could not ask for more,,,,love respect, and hope for the world they are creating for their own families.

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  2. Like you, I wonder when all the growing up happened. Mine are not as fully grown as yours; you have reminded me to savor the moments because soon enough they will be. This was beautiful.

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  3. This is just beautiful What a sense of pride you must have, raising two amazing boys who still love their mum and dad. I don't want mine to leave. Slow down time....please.

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  4. Beautiful piece. I am like you, children all grown. I must admit, I do love the grandchildren, but feel the loss of not having kids in the house all the time. Thanks for sharing this slice of your life!

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  5. In these past years I could not have asked for better supporters than my grown children, too, Wanda. We helped each other, and when it was important, they were there. I'm so glad to hear about your sons. What a good time you had this past weekend!

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  6. As a grown child who's far from her parents, this piece meant a lot to me. Thanks for sharing and writing.

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