Time is on My Side

My husband's mother sends us a letter once a week. A handwritten note delivered by the postman. Snail mail. It's quite extraordinary to receive a handwritten note in this day of e-mails, voice mails, texting, face books, and even blogs. It's always a treat and always the first piece of mail that we open. M. has always said that there are three things in life that he knows he can count on : death, taxes, and a letter from home.

When his parents were celebrating their 50th Anniversary, one of M.'s sisters asked each of the siblings to write their parents a note with some of their fondest childhood memories. M. wrote that when he was in college, feeling a little lonely and homesick, he especially loved receiving his parent's letters -" it was like receiving a little piece of home."

M is one of 6 children, and they write to each of their children. Usually there is an update about one of the other children or one of their 18 grandchildren. Yesterday's letter was pretty much the same as any of their other letters: the oldest grandchild seems to be adjusting well to college, their hometown high school football team lost their game this past weekend, and the wedding shower that she helped host went very well. But she also asked if they could take our two youngest children back home with them for a few days after their upcoming visit with us this weekend. Now I have to tell you - when I read that, I suddenly felt very nervous! But not for the children ...for myself!! I haven't been alone - by myself - in my house in EIGHT years!! What do people do in their house all by themselves? This is just too much for me! Do they clean house all day? That seems like such a waste. Do they take long baths and give themselves pedicures? That seems a little indulgent but I guess once every 8 years is O.Kay. Do they wander aimlessly from room to room trying to figure out what to do? Do they waste their day away playing Tetris and their kids Webkinz games? (Now who would do that ?!) This is just more time alone than I can imagine!

What ever shall I do?? I'm sure I'll figure it out. But if you have any suggestions...do tell!

(Maybe I should take a cue from my in-laws and catch-up on my correspondence!)

And just an update - Sunshine came home today! It's awesome having her infectious laugh back in our house! M. put a grape under his lip during dinner - you would've thought he juggled the grapes with his tongue! She gutt-laughed like crazy. The rest of us couldn't help but join in the laughter. I assured M. that the grape under the lip wasn't really THAT funny - we just couldn't help ourselves because Sunshine got such a kick out of it! We missed her! (I hope M. doesn't put a grape under his lip at a cocktail party or office function - I don't think he'd get the same reaction!)

Thankin' God today for bringing Sunshine home safely, for handwritten notes that you pass down to your children , and for time to catch up on a little R&R.

*Happy Birthday, A.T.!