If you have met me and listened to me talk about my family, then you know I have two kids. I call them "wanna be comedians" in the description of me on this blog because they think they are so funny. And sometimes they are. When I felt like I would pull my hair out in frustration, anger, embarrassment, or hurt, I could depend on the comedians to do or say something epic. And sometimes they did something truly kind. That's what family is supposed to do for you. Drive you crazy, make you laugh, and pick you up when you are low.
There hasn't been a full-time comedian in the house since Jordan left home in 2009. And most days the quiet isn't so bad. They blow in a couple of times a year and the noise level rises then once more they are gone and it's quiet at home. The coach and I go back to our routines and everything resumes.
I left home to go to college in the fall of 1976. My parents and I talked every Sunday afternoon when we weren't together. We still do. (They are 87 and 85) If I have to miss a week, then I can expect a worried call during the week checking on me. I always felt bad for my parents when I would leave them at the end of the summer, Spring Break, Thanksgiving, and Christmas breaks. My mom would tell me that my dog would look for me and their house would be too quiet. In 1981, I married and I saw them less as I moved far, far from them. I made my own home, made a family, and made a life away from them. When I go to Houston to visit, they are sad when I leave. Dad usually cries a little and Mom hugs me several times before I walk out the door. It's hard but leaving is supposed to be hard. I know they love me and that will never change.
Now, when we say goodbye to our kids and their spouses, it's sad. I am usually quiet, kinda cranky, and I have been known to cry a little. I hug them several times before we part and I try to make sure they hear me tell them over and over that I love them. We part ways and the quiet returns.
I was going through my ITunes collection yesterday and I found something I forgot I had. It's a song by the Doobie Brothers. "Far From Home" The words are perfect and the music is lovely. It reminds me of the comedians and it reminds me of me. They are far from home, like me.
"Far From Home"
by Simmons and Templeman
I wish you could have stayed a little longer cause it seems like only yesterday
You've gotten so much stronger now I know you're on your way
We've waited for this moment now it's hard to let you go
Cause baby when you're gone away I know I'm gonna miss you so
Spread your wings and fly away
When the rain begins to fall
Just remember that you'll never be that far from home
I looked in your room today I saw an old and worn out shoe
It's one from your favorite pair. I remember when they were new
You used to wear them everywhere when you used to hold my hand
Time slips through your fingers just like a tiny little grain of sand
Baby just spread your wings and fly away
When the rain begins to fall
Just remember that you'll never be that far from home
Just remember that you'll never be that far from home
Just remember that you'll never be that far from home
Just remember that you'll never be that far from home
Spread your wings and fly away
Spread your wings and fly away
Spread your wings and fly away
