The Long Farewell

Suburban Correspondent here, a little late posting today, as I've been busy seeing my eldest (Theo) off to a High Adventure sailing camp for the week.  Normally, I wouldn't concern myself with the preparations at all (aside from buying the requisite sunscreen, Blistex, etc); but after 16 years of making sure that he always has his emergency allergy medications at his side, I can't help but follow him out the door with "You've got your medicine pouch?  You're going to wear your pouch?  Where are the back-up medications?  Remember, hand them to the staff! Where's your pouch?  Where will you keep it on board boat?"

He's putting up with all the reminders handsomely.  Oh, he's reminded me once or twice that he was away all summer last year; but old habits die hard, and it's hard to shake over a decade of making sure your son can breathe properly.  We sent our 11-year-old off to Boy Scout camp last month for a week, and I couldn't believe how simple it was when there were no medications to think about: "Got your toothbrush? Great! Bye!"  Really, I'm not that overprotective of a mother.  It's just the breathing thing.

Anna's back from her week at flute camp.  At the final concert Friday night Larry and I debated whether she would agree to even get back in the van with us, after spending a week in the company of 20 other high school girls in a choreless, sibling-free environment.  She acquiesced, but I'm sure it wasn't what she wanted to do.  So she slept most of the day Saturday and now...well, things are back to the new normal.  It's so hard to live with someone who is just putting up with you.  She turns 15 this week, which means that this teenage alienation crap has been going on precisely 2 years now.  Time flies when your daughter is making you feel like dirt.

Well, I'm off to plan our meals for the week.  When Theo isn't home, we have what is essentially a dairy-fest - all the forbidden foods are prepared and eaten. Delicacies such as homemade whipped cream, grilled cheese sandwiches, homemade pizza, and baked ziti are all enjoyed without fear of endangering the health and well-being of a beloved family member.  And this year there is an added bonus - we get to have an ice cream cake for Anna's birthday.

That may be enough to make her smile. An added added bonus...

Comments

[Daisy]

The New Normal - how true!

[Lynn K.]

Good luck with that smile. Maybe if it lasts long enough you can get a picture of it to blackmail her with later.

Have a great dairy laden week!

[the planet of janet]

ugh. you mean it doesn't get better at 15?? i was hoping ....

[erin]

I hear you on the 15-yr-old girl snarkiness. The-world-revolves-me-and -are-you-kidding-me-that-you-don't-get-that?!?!?
Sheesh.
Enjoy the dairy fest.
:-)

[Jessi]

Oh! Sea Base is wonderful!
I spent a week on a HUGE sail boat last summer there (I presume that's what he's doing?) - I'm so jealous! I fell in love with the Keys last summer thanks to Sea Base.
The staff is wonderful, he's in good hands.