Gone....

Gone, gone, gone...she's been gone so long...she's been gone, gone, gone so long!

Okay, it hasn't been that long. But it seems like it. The end of summer vacation brought with it the end of something else: my summer-daughter. Before I even knew what was happening, her jeep was turning the corner and heading for home.

I know her parents will be glad to have her back. What with that crazy part-time work schedule that is usually reserved only for teenagers, she rarely had two days off in a row so she only got to go home a few times over the summer.

But I miss her.

I miss our long talks about boys, clothes, and politics. Yes, politics. We had a very enlightening conversation about the whole Russia/Georgia situation.

And I miss this:

I miss sharing a bathroom with another girl for a change, passing the mascara back and forth and curling each other's hair.

Oh, and this too:

I miss our girls-only evening walks with Maggie, with Kaylie teaching me teen-speak. Fosho.

And then there is this:

I miss her giggle, her lightening-fast texting, her TV shows (most of which I had never even heard of), her constant ribbing with her Uncle Ron.....and her I-can-conquer-anything-mountain-man attitude: I miss our "connection".....



Will my Rowdy Boys be able to fill the gap? Nope. I mean, they're boys. The fact is, I didn't even know what I was missing before this summer. I just walked around this testosterone-filled house in a daze. But now, now....well, I expect you to call me, Kaylie! LOTS!

Dear Mom, (part two)

Yesterday, we got mushy over the grandkids that live with me. Today, it's Nat and Matt's turn. The thing is, I don't have any pictures. Not any that are recent anyway. So you have to picture them in your mind.

Natalie
Beautiful, independent Natalie. Remember when she was oh, so little? She was independent even then. You taught her to read, played rhyming games and worked puzzles. Now she is all grown up, making her way in the world. And she knows that no matter what, she can always depend on Gran to be there for her. You taught her to reach out.

Matt
Strong and good-looking Matt. Hasn't he grown (and grown and grown) into a fine young man? Now, as he is in his first apartment in a city by himself, he knows he can stand on his own two feet...but can always call when he needs to. You taught him, by example, that you are always there for your family.

It's exciting and sad and joyful and scary and so many other things, to see our kids grow up. How did you ever let go? How can I?

As you can see, you're not quite finished with me yet. I still have too much to learn!

Love,

Rob

Dear Mom,

Thank you for checking my blog everyday, just to see if I've posted something new. Thank you for even believing I'm capable of posting everyday. As a reward, you have something to read today.

Kaylie:

You have a beautiful granddaughter. This summer, she became a member of the workforce. I've loved having her here. She is smart, silly and sunshiney. And she is strong, just like you.

Hunter:

Oh, what a handsome grandson! This summer, he transitioned from a boy to a young man. He is wise, witty and wonderful. And he loves to read, just like you.

Clint:

Can he be any cuter? This summer, he turned five. F-I-V-E!!! He is funny, fiesty and fabulous. And he is opinionated, just like you.

Maggie:

I can't leave out Maggie. This summer, she solidified her position as a member of this family. She is curious, cuddly and crazy. And she comforts me, just like you.

Love,

Rob