Oh, Son

Many of you know our youngest son recently moved back home with us after living out on his own a couple of years. He wants to pursue a serious college education and has learned some very good, mature lessons, so we agreed to have him come home, live upstairs and get his degree. We're still working out the minor kinks, but it's been a good thing.

Last night we went out to eat at Ryan's, my husband's favorite place to stuff himself full of steak and other foods! Joining us was our oldest son and his wife and their baby and our "baby". Hubby and I used to take our Friday night out to Ryan's quite often so we were both feeling a little romantic, holding hands as we waited in line, etc. Even though we had a crew with us, we could still sit together and enjoy our friendship.

The time came to sit down at our table. Hubby sat on the far left seat (out of three available seats per table side) and I started to slide into the seat next to him, the middle seat. At the same time, our youngest son (who didn't have a clue what I was doing or that I was even trying to sit down) pulled out the seat next to his Dad - the one I was after! Hubby and I locked eyes briefly and grinned. We were both thinking the same thing. It surprised us so much that we didn't know what to do. We've been alone and on our own for two years now! Suddenly, one of our children was crawling in between us - not a bad thing - just the way it had been for 25 years before this! Our "baby" also realized what had happened and was surprised that I wanted to take that seat - but he quickly offered it to me, insisting I take it. I, however, insisted he take it. I didn't want to make a big deal out of it or make him feel bad. He's such a sensitive dude.

Anyway, it was just a very funny moment of realization for us. Realizing our life is, again, different due to a child. They have a way of doing that, don't they? Of thrusting themselves into our lives in various ways at various ages. We deal with it all the best we can, some easier than others. It's called "parenting". It's surprising, funny, uncomfortable, selfless, and confusing! But, we wouldn't give it up for the world. However, if you see my husband and I out in a restaurant in the near future, please don't join us! There will only be two seats at that table.

Smiling, Kath