I learn so from my grown children. They are no longer children, but here I still write "children". I want to imply the connection we have, not that they are in any way my inferiors. I do not want to imply they are my blood, they are adopted, except one.
My son brings me new learning. It is nothing I did not know before, but it comes from a new voice, with comfort at a time when I need it.
"They should be moving away from you, and dislike all you want to do. Have you forgotten what teens are like and this is natural?"
"Your adult children are the ones that will enjoy what you enjoy as an adult, NOT your teenagers!"
"I had to guilt them into decorating the tree, and this year they did not even ask for any Halloween stuff. I missed it, but they did not even care!"
"See, you have had kids around for forty years, and now it's time to get used to them moving out. Lots of people have this shift. And a lot sooner than this!"
"I have become the ATM in the family. Shopping trips, birthday party bill payer, cash for King's Island trips, but I want more. I want to read Charles Dickens', "A Christmas Carol" by the fireplace, talk about relationships after supper, play board games on Sunday evenings, and cards on Wednesdays. They are always busy, always find time to run to their rooms to be by themselves. OR I am chauffeuring them and their friends here and there."
"Mom, let us adult kids do the fun things you want to do. Shift your interest to us. We are in our thirties, and value things you value. Let's do those things together."
Well spoken, Thom, well spoken.
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