The last few weeks have seen a few subtle changes to the daily routine around here.
New school year for Girl Child. No major dramas….so far.
Start of university life for Boy Child. No major dramas ….so far.
It’s also a gradual move into the next phase of parenthood. A further step towards their independence. A further loosening of the reins.
Now they may beg to differ here but I think The Big Green Gummi Bear and I are reasonably relaxed with both of them. Yes, we like to know where they are, how they are getting home and when we can expect them back. Not unreasonable requests.
This is still largely under our control with Girl Child as one of us usually has to collect her from wherever she is. (Boy Child comes in handy for this too now that he can drive.) Boy Child is pretty much free to come and go as he pleases, within reason.
This is taking a bit of getting used to. I still can’t sleep soundly at night until I know he’s home in one piece. Fresher’s Week was a parental challenge and saw a distinct lack of sleep on my part. I’m not used to Boy Child sauntering in at three in the morning!
I’ve also discovered that it takes a hell of a lot of coffee to function after less than five hours sleep!
It’s a pleasure to watch them both mature into young adults. They’ll cringe if they read this, but they are both good kids and I appreciate how fortunate we are with them.
Boy Child’s late nights reminded me of a poem I wrote a few years ago. It’s been a while since I shared any poetry on here.
Enjoy!
Family Clock
A mental family clock ticks inside my heart.
Conscious of each family member
Not safe at home in the family heart.
Whether child, spouse or cat
My heart can tell where they’re at.
Once home safe and sound
Their personal “tick” settles down.
Whilst still out and about
Their clock ticks aloud.
With contempt the cat stares from across the street
And pads off into the night.
My family clock ticks on and on.
written 16/3/10
Coral McCallum 