Friday, April 11, 2008

They'll Always Be My Kids

My oldest son turned 17 a few days ago. Not exactly a man, but not far from it. Whenever I think too hard about my children growing up and moving away, I get a little sad.

I'm sure it must be a bittersweet moment when the empty nest finally appears. Suddenly one finds one's self with all the time in the world, and wondering how on earth they will fill it.

Happily, that time is still not quite on me yet.

Today's poem is what got me thinking on this. On a first reading, I must confess, it brought a little tear to my eye because of its sweetness. Subsequent reading have allowed me to find the joy in it. Even when they're gone, they'll always be my kids.

Sentimental Moment or Why Did the Baguette Cross the Road?

Robert Hershon

Don't fill up on bread
I say absent-mindedly
The servings here are huge

My son, whose hair may be
receding a bit, says
Did you really just
say that to me?

What he doesn't know
is that when we're walking
together, when we get
to the curb
I sometimes start to reach
for his hand

16 comments:

splord said...

One of my biggest regrets in life is that I don't have children.

That poem is wonderful.

maurinsky said...

I had the same reaction as you. I have one who has already flown the nest, and it's weird. I have these delusional moments where I think "okay, I'm done parenting that one, now I can take it easy", and then I wake up in the middle of the night, wondering if she's eating 5 servings of fruits & vegetables every day.

Brave Sir Robin said...

Never say never Bob.

Maurinsky - I'll be the same way, I know.

Bitty said...

I'm on the other side of that. They've not only all left, but they've all left the state. I'm not sure any of them are coming back. Don't get me started.

However, the middle child didn't move out for good until he was 28. You could "hope" for that. ;)

The poem is wonderful, the first you've posted that I'm actually familiar with. So now I don't feel completely clueless!

Bitty said...

Oh, and Maurinsky, they grow up, but the worrying doesn't completely go away. You have new things to worry about, all beyond your control...

Brave Sir Robin said...

Bitty -

You knew this one?

That's funny, because I thoughtof you when I read it.

Bitty said...

That's funny, because I thoughtof you when I read it.

Synchronicity.

The Tubes are synchronic.

Where are you reading -- randomly? In a book?

I started to say something, but after two sentences, I could feel it getting long. I think I'm going back "home" to write a post. See ya.

SaoirseDaily2 said...

You are just the sweetest. I swear if you came to Spokane we could hook you up. You know there are more gals than guys here. LOL
My son turned 35 the end of March. At times it doesn't seem possible. Have a fun weekend.

ps to Bob - He's right never say never!!

splord said...

For the record?

I didn't say never.

:)

SaoirseDaily2 said...

Happy Spring, my friend. Here's a beginning of a spring poem:

When April weeps, she wakes the flowers
That slept the winter through.
Oh, did they dream those frosty hours
That she would be untrue
And not awaken them in time
To smile their smiles of love,
To hear the robin's merry chime,
And gentle cooing dove?

Bee said...

I think of myself in the parenting middle years . . . but I'm starting to understand exactly why the older you are, the faster you think that time progresses -- and recedes away from you.

It is obviously a falacy to think that you stop being a parent when they turn 18!

somewaterytart said...

Aww. I like that poem.

Batocchio said...

I don't have kids, but I've always liked this one.

Brave Sir Robin said...

batocchio -


I like that one, and it's good advice.

TBM said...

My daughter turned 13 a few months ago. The other week while we were on holiday, I reached down to take her hand at a crosswalk. It gave my heart a little lurch to think how infrequently we hold hands these days. Needless to say, I didn't let go once we crossed the street. She didn't let go either.

I like your blog name, by the way. We sing "your" song all the time ;-)

Brave Sir Robin said...

Just a Plane Ride -

That is so sweet. My boys would absolutely die of embarrassment if I did that.

My daughter is 7, and whenever were are walking in a public place, she always makes sure to run up and grab my hand. Whether she does for protection or just pride in showing the world she's with her Daddy I can't say, but I shall miss it when she decides she's "too big" for it.

Welcome to our little corner of the tubes, it's great to have you here. And yes, we sing my song all the time.

:)