The Empty Nest

Where did it go?  The time everyone promised I had - or maybe I imagined that too.  They were here a little while ago...I could hear Jackie riding on her plastic Tootsie Roll - she was adorable!  Then Gustavo, the rock and stick collector.  He always had a 'new' toy - yes, just another stick.  No!  It was a gun, magic wand, conductor's baton - created all by Gustavo's imagination.  He could do anything.  Lyssandra - ahhhh - my little girl.  Born old, mature beyond her years.  But she too could play.  Mostly with worms, autumn leaves on her curls - "Don't do that!  You want to look pretty, don't you?"  Nope, not her.  I guess growing up with Gustavo did that; turned her on to cars, lego forts and such.  She could run with the big dogs!  No fear there.

It's quiet now.  Sometimes I hear Seven - our cat with 6 toes - walking down the stairs and I can almost imagine it's one of the kids.  Looking for something to eat.  But it's just Seven.  He loves his belly rubbbed; and so he slides his body until he's on his back, asking "Would you rub me?  Aren't I the cutest cat?"  Of course I oblige.

Next month the footsteps will be Lyssandra's and Gustavo's - can't wait.  The inevitable will come one day... no more Christmas visits from college.  They will be sending me pictures of their spouse, children, far away places where Grandma can't travel easily.  But that's ok.  God's purpose is such.  Leave your comfort zones, share the good news of Christ wherever you are.  And that's just peachy!

The oldest is getting married - I'm holding out for grandkids.  That will be fun, spoil them, send them back home; that's a mother's revenge.  Never thought I'd say that, a direct quote from the Puerto Rican mom - "Me las vas a pagar cuando tengas hijos." "You will get all you gave me when you have kids."  I've become you mami, and you know what?  It's not that bad!