Prepare the child

I'm pretty lonely without my girls. The house is quiet, there is no stray clothing on the floors or chairs, the bathroom counter stays clean and there isn't any olive oil splatter on the stove top right after I've wiped it off. They were never screamers or  fighters, not more than normal sisters at least, but I still hear the echo's of their voices from their rooms. Some times, I think I hear them talking to each other or hear the call  "Mommy" which has always been their name for me, even as grown up as they are.

I talk to them fairly often, and if I don't , I leave pleading messages to call their mother so I can hear the sweetness of their voice. (Most irritating to number one but a mother is driven to guilt when necessary). They have no idea how missed they are. Yes, I tell them often that I miss them and their beautiful faces, but until they have children of their own, they have no idea the enormity of that statement.  Having them live on opposite ends of the United States, is also a trial and the cost to see them is a hurdle for them and me to overcome. In the era of Skype and Facetime, I'm able to interact with them on occasion, cell service being sketchy in number one's part of the Redwoods.

Their father wished them to grow up fast so he could share Sci-fi and Fantasy fiction debates and conversation with them. I warned him against it, but still, he kept saying "I can't wait until they're adults!".  He really didn't think it would happen that fast either.

Empty nest arrived 8 years ago and it's still empty and getting pretty dusty. I keep their rooms ready for them in some kind of silent hope that I'll find them sleeping in their beds , and the place ransacked and a shambles . This is only out of pure selfishness on my part.

Our favorite quote  is, "Prepare the Child for the road not the road for the child."

                                                                                                                     (  Wendy Mogel & Ann Landers)

We have embraced this philosophy and implemented it into our parenting from the beginning .

If you prepare the road repeatedly' the child will falter and be unable to problem solve life's problems. The child will constantly wait and expect the road work to be taken care of before moving ahead on their own.

We have successfully launched and prepped the child. They are both independent and only need us for emotional support and encouragement to keep on doing what they're doing. They continue to succeed in their endeavors. They've done exactly what we raised them to do so I shouldn't be lamenting this empty nest.

Forever I will worry about them. I want them to be blissfully happy and find that fairy tale ever after. As they seek that end, I am ever reminded that they are my heaven sent angels, loved more than any words can express and being their mommy has been the best prize and privilege of this life. The gift of allowing me to parent them and love them is one I thank God for daily and will never be able to repay.

Yes, I miss my girls. The house is quiet, but I know they are on the right road and traveling it on their own terms, sometimes taking the curves a little too fast and exceeding the posted speed limits but always keeping the destination in sight.

I love you Peach and Pookie-do!