The House Is Quiet Again

Yes the house is quiet again.

And this time, I’m okay with that.

I’ll be honest, as you probably noticed from some past writing, I haven’t always been a fan of my children growing up. I know they have to and I’m glad they are all finding their place in the world and I know that was my job, but —— it doesn’t mean I have to like it.

I’ve missed the ball games and the full table at dinner time. I’ve missed those chaotic Sunday mornings getting everyone ready for church. I miss Story Time, trips to Santa’s Village and snuggling during thunderstorms.

This past week everybody was home. It’s a neat feeling having them all under one roof. My oldest daughter Sarah is expecting a baby in September so we had her baby shower. I guess I should say the ladies had the baby shower for her. My wife, daughter and daughter-in-law did the work; I ate the food that was left.

My son Doug was here for a week with his wife Marla and their dog. My daughter Sarah came north and thanks to her mother-in-law for driving alllllll the way from Virginia Beach. (Sarah can’t fly anymore until the baby is born.)

It was crazy! At one time we had seven people staying here and there’s only one bathroom. I’ve always joked with my wife that we outgrew this house in 1993 when we had more than one child. We love the house though and it’s a fantastic neighborhood so somehow we made it work.

I’m okay with them going home this time not because the house was crowded (it was); not because we had so many vehicles parked on the street (we did, plus Doug brought his motorcycle); not because Doug and Marla brought their dog (Our Baxter actually started getting along with him. I guess he thought he was moving in); or because I could never get in the bathroom! (Actually I did you just needed patience.)

I’m okay with them going home because they have their own lives and they are doing just fine. They have their own homes, their careers and, most importantly, their health. They’re young and having their own adventures, just like Priscilla and I did a few years ago. Okay, more than a few years ago. The younger two who live up north here are also doing their own thing.

A new chapter is about to begin with a new baby boy in the picture. My wife is already planning to kidnap the baby to spend summers in New England. It’s too damn HOT down there to even go to the pool!

I’m going to rest up between now and the due date. I have to get ready for Story Time, Santa’s Village and snuggling during thunderstorms.