The family guitar leans against the Victorian couch in the fireplace room. The songs of the past ten months call out from Youtube and echo in our memories. The TV is off and the deep-throaty laugh that cut through the quiet for month upon month is silent. The washing machine whines away in the basement while upstairs two empty beds hug the walls of the front bedroom. In the center of my chest there's a small ache like hunger; I am not alone with that feeling here in the River Valley. The boys have headed home.
The difference? Now Alex and Peter have two sets of friends, two hometowns, two families, two homes... and in a real way, two countries.
We wish them well and send our love, always.
The difference? Now Alex and Peter have two sets of friends, two hometowns, two families, two homes... and in a real way, two countries.
We wish them well and send our love, always.
5 comments:
Oh Rich! You are the best
Hi Rich,
You're right about the two countries, two families, two homes and two set of friends. Here in Denmark there are two grateful parents thinking about Peters 10 months of adventures, waiting to hear more, looking at the empty bed in our house soon to be filled up again with a long-haired, long sleeping kid. We can't wait!
Thank you so much for being both a father and a mother for Peter during the last year.
Warmly
Mette & Niels
I've had a good time MOST of the time. And the fact that I'm inviting two more kids for the coming year serves as a testament to our good times in 2008-2009.
Please take time in the next few weeks to write and share the highlights of their homecomings. Don't forget to watch the slide show even though it is a bit long.
Both boys have orders to call me once they are home! No call and I'll turn off their Internet or TV!
;-)
Cheers!
he he! Now you can feel how it is not to be in charge...!
Sure Rich - don't worry - they will call you :-)
and you will receive a lot of writing. We promise!
Like Rich, I too have experienced this "letting go" many times: with the many exchange students I have hosted or taught, and, of course, with my own two sons as they went off to make their way in the world. It is a mixture of pride and excitement for them as they on away from us and sadness because you know things will never be quite the same again. I feel blessed that Rich allowed us to be part of this year. Thank you, Alex's and Peter's families, for sharing your sons with us for these ten months!
Post a Comment