The Two Faces of Parenthood

[powerpress]
Becoming a parent has a strange tendency to turn us two-faced people.

On the one hand, we love our babies with all of our heart and soul and would NEVER give them away or trade them for ANYTHING in this world.

On the other hand, we get grouchy and bemoan our lack of privacy and “me” time. More so if we work at home, it’s like “oh, honey, I just need a little time to concentrate”. Or, “CJ, did you get your (chores / homework / work assignment) done?!”

CJ, the son of my dreams, is off on a sleep-over with a family member and I’m here almost crying.

It’s too quiet.

My heart is screaming for his presence but my mind is saying he needs the space to spread his wings. He needs to start flapping and unconsciously preparing for the time when he leaves the nest.

There’s no way I would want to stand in the way of my son’s growth. Yet, it’s … sad. Empty. Lonely. I feel bereft and I wonder if this is what an empty nest feels like on a daily basis. *shudder*

Logically, I know that I trust that side of the family that CJ’s with. I know they aren’t that far away. I know they are technologically advanced enough to think it’s no big deal for him to Skype me.

It’s at times like these that we need to remember the bigger plan. The plan to launch our children into the world as prepared as possible. To love them enough to let them go. To encourage them to be the best they can be and to overcome whatever adversity comes their way.

To hope that some day they will realize what you’ve done (or tried to do) and willingly call and drop by as often as their and our schedules allow.

[signoff]