I stopped by the local 7-11 store this morning for a nice hot cup of coffee. There was a fresh pot brewing, and I waited ten minutes for it to finish. In the past, I have been running behind and have had to settle for the sludge that has been sitting there since 1987. Not today! I was early! I stood and chatted with three others as we anxiously awaited the final drip. Of course, they were all retired and had nowhere to be until noon. But I digress. Snow White attends school in a neighboring county. It's a 45 minute trip each way. For seven years I dropped her off and picked her up EVERY DAY! My life revolved around her school and activity schedules. When she got her driver's license this summer, I was nervous. OK, I was terrified. I couldn't imagine my baby being out on the road without me. I had no idea what her new-found freedom would mean for me.
My commute has been cut in half. If I am able to leave work early, I can go straight home. If I want to go to the gym after work, I can do so without consulting my daughter about pick-up times. I do not have to get up early to take her to weekend show choir or play rehearsals. If I want to stop by 7-11 for a cup of coffee in the morning, I can do so without worrying about getting behind a bus and delivering my daughter to school late. The amount of free time I now enjoy is mind boggling.
Despite all of the positive things, I really miss that time with my girl. I miss having an hour and a half of one-on-one conversation with her each day. I miss hearing about what's going on at school or work. I just miss HER.
It's our job as parents to teach them to fend for themselves once they are thrust into the cold, cruel world. I'm hoping we have done a decent job. We'll find out soon enough. Until then, I guess I will just appreciate the little things......like a fresh cup of coffee and a chat with the retired folks at 7-11.
Hope your Monday is filled with sunny skies and hugs from your children.
17 comments:
Fisher had her head resting on my slippered foot this morning as I sipped my coffee. It's raining in Portland today, but there is something so cozy about early fall mornings I wouldn't trade it for anything! Have a great week!
I bet you do miss her! I'm sure you have done a great job raising her.
The sun is shining and it's supposed to be 80 degrees today and Madi and I have had some hugs!
Brought back memories of car trips with my Dad. When my Mom was sick with cancer, she needed to be in Memphis for the doctors. Our home is about 5 hours away. So every Friday after work, Dad and I would take off. Even though it was a horrible time in our lives, I treasure those hours in the car!
My little cherubs have been driving almost a year. It is a lonely time for me, too. But I am thinking about a nice little car for myself....
This post got to me. My girl and I are always in a battle. She starts driver's training next year (believe it or not, Michigan allows training to begin at 14.9 years old)and we are terrified. And while she and I always fight, I like my 20 minutes per day of alone time with her. Sometimes she actually tells me something big.
Love this post. Reminds me how lucky I am to have such a special relationship with both my mom and dad. And it's always those little moments that count so much.
Hugs! Have a great Monday!
Look at you.. getting me all emotional on a Monday.
Great post. I love the nostalgic side and I love the twist on "the little things".
Have a great day!
This is nice. Having your time as YOURS.
I am dreading my girl driving next year too...very scary indeed. Especially since she can't remember where she last left her shoes.
Love your blog.I will be back to stalk.
Suz
What a sweet melancholy post. My day is unpredictable but warm and sunny.
I remember that ache in my stomach and I still get it with each of the younger ones as well. Enjoy your time though...you have done a great job raising her.
That one on one time is so hard to find once they become teenagers. Having a "captive audience" with them everyday is a luxury for sure. You can always let the air out of her tires if you get lonely for her lol!
WOW! That one really hit home!! I am feelin' it too girl! More than you know! I really miss those times. And for the record, Snow White is an amazing young lady! You've done an AWESOME job (even if she does forget her phone - haha)
Girls night !!! SOOOON!
Hugs & Kisses to you and Snow White!
Enjoy that time, relish it. It will make you a better, more relaxed mother. Maybe.
No, I've not figured out a costume for the Halloween party at Sandpiper, but I"m leanign towards a She-Devil, which will not require a lot of dressing up since my family already considers me one anyway, everyday.
You should come! It starts at 9 and the band Close Call will be there.
When my step daughter moved in with us we lived in an undesirable neighborhood so I enrolled her in the school district where I worked. Even when I was out of work because chemo was kicking my ass I still drove her 14 miles to the better school. There were many mornings I would have loved to given her the keys and told her to have at it...but I took her every day. I always hated getting up in the morning but it didn't take long before I realized that THAT was why I was fighting the cancer...because I HAD a reason to get up every morning.
Wow, that's a long drive every day. I can completely see how you're going to miss all that time with Snow White. I guess things have to change as they get older... {sigh}
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Just wanted to say hello and thank you for the welcoming comment, so am I understanding you correctly? You want big hair? Cause I believe that I can help you out if you want some of mine I am thinking of chopping it off soon.
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