Okay, I'm Ready To Get Back To The Empty Nest.... As Of Like Yesterday

Well, this has been the holiday season that just keeps on giving! First, our daughter came home from Los Angeles for the holidays with a broken bone and a blood clot in her leg. She was pretty much house bound for the nineteen (Yes, 19) days she was here, so we really got to see more of her than we'd ever hoped for. As much as I love that wonderful girl, I was ready for her to go home when the doctor finally allowed it. I mean reeeally ready. (I love you Honey! Really!) To SD's credit... She did clean out bags full of *stuff* from her bedroom and bathroom while she was here.

Can you tell I've adjusted beautifully to the *Empty Nest Syndrome*?

Our son was only here for a few days at Christmas but promised he'd be back in January. He came in from Austin last Wednesday and it's just so great to see him doing so well. However, he still hasn't started back to St. Edward's Univ. yet, so he had some spare time on his hands. He came in three days after our daughter left. He also brought his adorable 15 month old Pit Bull Terrier with him. Can you see me smiling through clenched teeth tears of joy? No, you can't. Yes you can.

He assured me that his precious little girl puppy was well behaved and would not do anything bad out in the yard................... Uh-Huh. She doesn't dig holes. Uh-Huh. She doesn't tear things up. Uh-Huh. She doesn't stand at the door and whine. Uh-Huh. Right. Gotcha. At this moment my backyard looks like it was hit by a hurricane. And a tornado. Simultaneously. And, they got into a brawl while in my backyard.

I have no earthly idea what his room looks like. The dog sleeps in there with him every night. I am so afraid to look, much less catch a whiff. However, I've decided not to look until he leaves Tuesday. Sterling idea, don't you think? I wouldn't want to have to hurt our son before he leaves. Honestly, I do want him to come back. Someday. Maybe. Just not too soon after I see the condition of his room.

I can't say any more about this without kind of going all nutsy. For right now at least. Just suffice it to say that I hope my grandchildren turn out to be better behaved than my grand-dog. Please God, hear my prayer. I'm down on my knees begging You.

Can you tell I've adjusted beautifully to the *Empty Nest Syndrome*?

Just six short years ago I cried when I left our daughter at college for her Freshman year. Guess What? Faded Memory. Just two short years ago I moved our daughter and her roomie out to California. I bawled like never before when I left her. Guess What? Another faded memory. She yelled at me in her car on the way to take me to the airport because she didn't want me to cry. She had a job interview..... So I began to weep openly in front of complete strangers as she peeled away from the curb with a screech. Guess What? Yup, another faded memory.

I cried every time our son left too. Guess what? More faded memories.

The last time I whined to a friend about how much I miss the kids, she said "Let me ask you this. Would you want them back home living with you again?" I answered "Good God, No!" She started laughing and said "Good. Then get over it!" I did just that.


I need my space back and I haven't even had time to put away the Christmas decorations yet. I've got piles and piles of laundry. Then there's the issue with the backyard. *SIGH*

Can you tell I've adjusted beautifully to the *Empty Nest Syndrome*?

Who Knew Our Son Was A Genius?

I don't often talk about my son, since he doesn't like it much. Not even if it is in the positive. However, today I am so happy and proud of this young man that I could just pop with pride. After all of his *problems* over the last 8 years and the dark dives he has taken into the unknown, he has finally conquered whatever demons he was fighting.

He's been clean and sober for almost two years, which is a wonderful thing. He has done that which many others have found impossible to do. However, today, he called me with the greatest news of all. He was accepted at St. Edward's University (Austin) for the Fall semester with 100% financial aid. At 25, he has finally started to mature and understand the highs and lows of life. He applied for school and financial aid all on his own and passed their tests.

I waited until we hung up from our conversation before I broke into tears of joy. He hates it when I cry. Typical man. It has been such a long, heart-breaking road with him, that it makes this victory just that much sweeter. At one point in time I thought my heart breaking over his addictions would surely kill me. It was painful as Hell but it did not kill me. Still, I hung in there for him, come what may. Thankfully, The Lord answered my prayers and we somehow got our son back.

So, getting back to the point... Today I'd like to salute my son for making such an amazing comeback from the Dark Side, but most of all for taking the entrance exams, filling out all the forms, and getting accepted at such a prestigious university. Without the help of us, his parents.

Snooty Son, you are amazing and smart and wonderful and I love you more than you could ever imagine. Your work ethic is the best I've seen and I know everyone you work with is crazy about you, because they've told me before. I know you will continue to grow as you pass each college semester and I have no doubts that you will continue on to law school, as you have planned. Believe me, I'll be beside you all the way. You are AWESOME!

You have your whole life ahead of you and for that I am thankful. I know that you'll make good use of your second chance at life.