Tuesday, October 09, 2007

fly away home


This weeks prompt for writers island is 'Renewal'. One way to translate renewal is as "A time of change" and "times they are a changin" in our home. I don't remember if I ever wrote about my oldest sons return to the nest. After living on his own during and after college, He decided to return to his home base. Frankly, It was quite a shock to us. He seemed to be enjoying his independence, and his visits home always seemed to end with him looking like he couldn't wait to get away from us! Remember when YOU were 23?
Too much time with your parents was... Torture! After all, What do WE know? We are TOO clean. We work TOO hard. We party TOO infrequently. We have TOO many rules. We spend our down time semi-comatose time.... (Don't get scared) WATCHING THE T.V.!! ( horror music please.) My son hates television. He enjoys music & very LOUD music. He is in a band that plays 'noise music' ( it makes heavy metal sound like easy listening). He enjoys chess, painting, cooking & yoga. He enjoys bicycling and living life to it's fullest. He is a free spirit. He doesn't want the traditional life that we live. He is hoping to go west next year, maybe California, maybe Oregon. He has visited these states and enjoyed them much more than NY. Much, MUCH more than Long Island. " Long Island is a strip Mall". I've heard that one... more than a few times.
So, even though it is mostly great....It has been an adjustment, a change.... having our baby back in the nest, For him as well as us. It is great to be able to hug him everyday. I had really missed him. I love that my 3 boys are hanging out together. I love the long talks we have, I Love that he appreciates my home cooking! I love that He plays scrabble with me without me having to beg! I love spending time with him.
I love when he comes home from work and tells me the cute things that happened during the day. He is working in an elementary school as a One on One Para to a Kindergardener with Autism. This cute story for example....He was helping another child unpack his lunchbox and all that was in it was a block of cheese! No drink, no bread. Cheese. A Big Block of Cheese! He got the child a bagel and he sliced some cheese and made him a sandwich! I'm so happy that he loves doing this job. I'm hoping it will help him make the decision to go on to grad school and pursue a teaching career. I think he would be an amazing teacher. He is the most tolerant, patient person I know. He is caring and kind. He is compassionate. I think he would be the type of teacher that kids would treasure. He is also a passionate artist, so he is debating if an Art teacher would be a better choice. I told him he could teach any subject or grade and still incorporate Art into the curriculum. He could be known as the teacher who lets you Paint your alphabet or draw the history of the world.
Wherever he ends up, geographically or career wise, I hope he will always know our home is his home. Home base. Here for him to fly to, whether his life is full of home runs or strike outs. We are here when he needs to re-group, re-think, renew.

14 comments:

writerwoman said...

I really enjoyed reading about your son. You are a very supportive mom and all the love you feel for him was evident in your words.

JP (mom) said...

Home as a place of renewal - lovely! Your son sounds like a very special, wonderful person. Big hugs from one mom to another. Peace, JP/deb

Unknown said...

Your son sounds like a good guy. Even if he is noisy. And you are great to let him move back home to regroup. Everyone needs a spot to call home. I wonder if he'll pursue teaching or not?

[glad the info worked. nice lines. :-)]

Anonymous said...

You seem to have made the transition back to the nest flawlessly. ;) I hope he gets that chance to soar on his own and make a difference in this world.

Rose

xo

daisies said...

the love and pride you have for your son shines through these words and makes me smile :) what a gorgeous photo of the two of you :) xox

Anonymous said...

Beautiful mom and her amazing son. Or I could say amazing mom and her beautiful son. == I think it works either way!

How good it is to leave each other right through our differences.

Take Care

PS: I posted my second self-portrait and I actually allowed my face to be in it! Let me know what you think?

Anonymous said...

Well, when I read this post I thought to myself "self, I live on Long Island; I have a 21 year old daughter studying secondary ed @ CUNY Queens College; I feel a love connection coming on". Sounds like you have a great catch there but most of all, he realizes the value of family. My hat is off to you; you have done a good job parenting.

awareness said...

I love the very idea that home is where one returns to renew and regroup.

Wonderful story.......I wish your son a great journey helping and teaching children, especially little ones with special needs. It is THE most rewarding, stretching, learning challenging job there is.....never the same.......always thought provoking.

Enjoy your scrabble games.....it's an activity I enjoy playing with my son....whose only 10 right now, but will hopefully want to play against me when he is 23.

Tumblewords: said...

How nice that he can come home! My older daughter and her husband lived with me for a brief spell and I loved every minute of it! Time is so short! Nice post!

Lucy said...

Thanks so much everyone for all your warm, supportive comments and good wishes!
Carol... a blind date may be in order!

paisley said...

what a loving tribute to your love for your son.. it sounds like you guys have a really nice familial relationship.. that is rare... treasure it,, as i am sure you do.....

Giggles said...

Lucy such a poignant story, about your big beautiful son! Great picture too! So glad you are enjoying my grand word passion with your boy! I’m bias about scrabble so he gets an “A” in my book! Great renewal chronicle! Oh man he has killer eyes and lashes too!! He’ll be scooped up sooner than later! Thanks for sharing!
Love and hugs Sherrie

Anonymous said...

What a loving tribute and beautiful post about your handsome, oldest son. How can he lose with the strong support and gentle guidance of his wonderful Mom and Dad? The world is his oyster!! He's talented AND nice...a great combination for success and happiness.
P.S. LOVE that pic of you two!

SlyGly said...

Your son is truly a blessing. Is he single??