Around the middle of August, my two oldest boys, Alex 21 and Nick 19 start getting ready to leave to go back to college. I start thinking how I would not have much time to spend with them, till they get home the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. They are grown up now and it make me sad sometimes to know it never will be the same.
On Wednesday before Thanksgiving all their home town(high school friends), will start stopping by our house. You see, when they were growing up, they were all here all the time. I have to tell you, I loved it.
I set up the do stairs, walk out basement with a pool table, kitchen, home theater room, full bath, gym, and a play area. They really made it like a club house. All the kids still tell me their woas and ambitions and troubles. I love that too.
My wife and I got 1 of my son's friends to quit smoking, he still resist and it has been 4 years. We feel good about it all. Quite a few won't be here though. They are in the military now and overseas. Alex's friends are 21 and we will toast the ones that could not be here this year and await their return for next time.
And when it's all over, I will think of times past and hope for another Thanksgiving to be thankful for next year.
Richard
Richard,
The best is yet to come. Darlin' and I have ten grandkids. Love your post!
Mike in Tucson
(former LBI builder in the 80's)
Thank you Mike, I will look forward to it. Enjoy your grandchildren.
Richard
Richard - I'm sure that your sons can't wait to get home too... It sounds like you are "father figure" to more than just your own boys. I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Debbie:
Thank you, and a very Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Richard
Richard, that is awesome - that is what it is all about. I hope the rest of the Thanksgiving weekend is great for you and your family !
We had our toast to all the boys in the military that were not home for Thanksgiving. We spoke out their names wish them well and hoped they would be here next year.
Richard
Richard~My husband and I moved from the Midwest to Florida four years ago. We left our two oldest children in college up north. I can relate to your post about things never being the same and I will never forget the ache in my heart that took so long to go away. Ours was also the home where all the kids gathered as they were growing up. However, be careful what you wish for! :) Mine are all back at home now before going to grad school and getting jobs. It is very interesting ~ I'll let you know how it goes! This was our first Thanksgiving together in four years and it was wonderful. I hope that yours was too!
Connie: I can't grasp how it would be for the boys to be that far away. I can understand how it would be wonderful to spend time together. They are grown up and its different in many ways, but in most things, it never changes .
We had a great Thanksgiving Holiday weekend and can't wait for their Christmas break.
Last night many of their friends were over, it was like old times.
Richard