For a week, I get to stay at home with my folks.
Well, it actually hasn't been home for roughly 20 years since I moved to college, but deep in the recesses of my mind, I still consider it to be home.
Things have changed mightily since I spent the majority of my time here, but that's not a bad thing.
No longer do I get to hug my parents first when we arrive. That designation now belongs to my children as they rush to hug their grandparents. I just stand back and smile.
During the daylight hours, I no longer get most of my parent's attention. It's given to their grandchildren because, well, the kids demand it. I just stand back and smile.
My room isn't my room anymore. It's a computer room and spare bedroom. Most of my memorabilia is gone. But the plaque on the door proclaiming this to be Kevin's territory is still there. I just stand back and smile.
No longer do I have to worry about school or chores or asking my parent's permission to do anything. Instead, this is a place of refuge--a place to put the worries of work away. I can just stand back and smile.
My home town has changed over the years. Several places are now closed down: the local auto dealership; several gas stations and restaurants. But there is now a community swimming pool. The park has great playground equipment for my kids to play on. The bank and post office look exactly the same. I just stand back and smile.
There will be several trips in the next few days: to grandmas house; the beach; museums; Port A. My kids will be worn out, but they will enjoy every moment with their grandma and grandpa. I'll take it all in and just smile.
For a week, I'll have plenty to smile about as I relax with mom and dad, my wife and kids. No schedule. Few interruptions.
There's no place like home.
No comments:
Post a Comment