I had a great Christmas, it
came a little late, but it was wonderful. I always love having my kids home.
But when everyone is here it’s always more chaotic – and that’s even before
grandchildren. But I did get a special treat during this trip. The boys spent
the first night at Colin’s parents’ home. I picked LJ up the next day about
noon so that he could go to an early dinner with his grandparents. I suddenly
found LJ and I at home – just the two of us for about four hours. It was
wonderful.
Yeah, I know he's grown but...
We took our coffee and settled
into my writing room with the gas logs and the Christmas tree and just talked.
We talked for the full four hours and we hit a huge amount of topics: living in
NYC, retirement, Hillary, that other person… we talked about Mollie and
teaching, I got to understand more about his job, we talked of trips Nick and I
want to take and trips that he and Colin want to take. We talked of issues important
to the LGBTQ community and the issues concerning aging baby boomers. I love my son so much and this
was a really special afternoon.
The boys are back in New
York, Mollie is back at work teaching, Nick’s back at work after the holidays
and I’m left to find a new normal. I have to decide how to spend my day, how to
divide my time. What a great problem to have! Once things seem normal again,
and once Nick gets over his cold, I’d like to talk to him about TTWD again. It’s
not that it’s unheard of around here but I’d still like to do some talking –
just as soon as I know what I want to say. All is well, but I’d like it to be
even better. I’ll let you know.
Hi PK, I'm glad to hear you had a wonderful family Christmas celebration and the one-on-one time with LJ made me smile, that is precious.
ReplyDeleteI hope Nick is feeling better soon and that you do manage to have that conversation with him. Enjoy discovering your new normal post retirement :)
Hugs
Roz
Hey Roz, I did enjoy that time with my boy. That conversation...what to say?
DeleteMy friend, I was so happy to hear about your time with your boy. I am lucky that both my boys live close. Every once in a while, we do a mom/son lunch - just one boy/man at a time. I love that one on one every so often. Their perceptions of the world and the happiness in their lives. Struggles, too.
ReplyDeleteI like that you are thinking of a bigger talk with Nick. We never stop growing and changing. This is just the time to ponder a new chapter.
Love,
Ella
I get to visit with Mollie one on one often, but it was special to get the alone time with LJ.
DeleteI need some time to think of what I want to say. I don't want to get myself in over my head.
PK,
ReplyDeleteConversations with grown children are wonderful. Retirement is a privileged problem, but still a problem. You must figure it out and face a new direction. It can be challenging. Nick will notice the change and the talking will happen.
Meredith
He's usually very responsive when I want to 'talk' about important things. I just don't know what I want to say.
DeleteSo good to hear you had a wonderful Christmas with your boys and extra special to have some mom/son time with LJ.
ReplyDeleteI hope when Nick feels better you will have that conversation.
Love,
Ronnie
xx
I'm sure we'll get around to it eventually.
DeletePh Pk, I am so glad you had such a lovely time. I too love it when I get my boys to myself for a while.
ReplyDeletelove Jan, xx
I remember mom and dad used to want time to talk to my sister alone after she married. I tried to always make time for them after I married.
DeleteYou'll fill up the hours in no time. Wait until after Valentine's Day before you start working on your schedule - until then you have other things to think about. lol
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a good time to settle on a schedule. I'll be busy until then.
DeleteSounds like a perfect time! I am learning from you all that talking never stops.
ReplyDeleteYou got it. When talking stops it seems DD falls apart.
DeleteSo very happy you had such a lovely celebration and visit. Very envious of your new normal dilemma. :) Sending lots of positive energy for your chat with Nick.
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings...Cat
I think I'll like my new norm too, as soon as I figure out what that is.
DeleteI treasure that alone time with my kids. It's nice to talk alone in meaningful way!
ReplyDeleteIf a schedule makes you happy.... go for it....if not.... forget it!
TTWD talking? Go for it!
Love talking to my kids - any time. We'll see what happens with the schedule.
DeletePK so happy you had a wonderful time with family over Christmas and some alone time with LJ. That's a bonus.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your talk with Nick once he's better. Write down all the points you want to make so you don't forget anything.
Hugs Lindy xx
I usually do my 'talking' by email. It let's me gather my thought so much better.
DeleteSounds like a perfect time with your son. Glad you enjoyed your holidays! :-) Hugs
ReplyDeleteWow, such a lovely, special time to spend with your son. I'm sure he will treasure it as well. Sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas. Hope your conversation with Nick helps and he hears you.
ReplyDelete--Baker