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Every age has its worries.
A few weeks ago, we were talking over lunch about the struggles one woman is facing as her son leaves home (to join the military, no less). As the discussion centered on the empty nest syndrome, I commented that I’m glad to be at the other end of the spectrum.
I recently joined the Spring City Women’s Library Club, and one of our projects is to listen to the kindergartners read at Spring City Elementary School. We spend about a half hour every Wednesday, giving the youngsters the opportunity to read one-on-one to an adult other than their teacher or parent. It’s great fun.
One little boy was reading me a book about transportation. The book started with people walking and carrying huge loads on their heads. It progressed through simple carts (even pulled by people) to cars, buses and even airplanes. Eventually it came to rocket ships heading off to space and landing on the moon.
I asked the boy if he would like to go to the moon some day. He thought a moment and said no. I asked why not, and he replied, “Because I don’t think Mommy and Daddy could go with me!”
I was reminded of these same issues again last weekend when Ken and I attended a wedding reception. It was a delayed reception following an out-of-state wedding, and had been postponed for almost two months because of illness. So the newlyweds have actually been married five months already.
Still, when it came time for the groom to dance with his mother, she armed herself with a whole wad of tissues, ready to sop up the tears. Watching her, I couldn’t even begin to imagine what it will be like when that day comes for Benjamin and me.
Fortunately, with him just 6 ½ years old and in first grade, that day is a long way away. Actually, according to Benjamin, that day will never come. He insists he won’t get married or even move away until after I’m dead and gone.
“But then I won’t get to have grandchildren!” I protested.
“Do you need grandchildren?” he countered. (I guess my emphasis on teaching him the difference between wants and needs backfired here!)
In fact, Benjamin has even gone so far as to say he is never leaving home, at least not while I’m alive. It’s not that he’s wishing me into an early grave, though. The other day he was speculating about what I may look like when I’m 100 years old. He also was asking how old he will be when I’m 100.
Of course, I know that will all change. But for now, I’ll just enjoy the stage we’re in. Sufficient for today are the worries of today, and tomorrow will take care of itself.
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