Don't Wish it Away
Like a five-year-old child waiting to dive into a sea of birthday presents, I stared out the window in overzealous anticipation for the arrival of my daughter, Jenni.
Eight years ago, my second child decided to make a pit stop in San Diego on her way home from the University of Arizona. Instead of just visiting, she chose to grow roots, and became firmly planted. Fortunately, she saw the light and decided to move back to be with the ones who love her most– namely me!Watching her pull into the driveway, I rushed to scoop her into my arms, swaddling her like a newborn in her pink, fuzzy blanket. I was beyond elated to have her home, and then I saw her car.
“What is all that?” I asked, with a slight tremor in my voice.
“Can you believe it? We were able to get all my stuff home!”
With her father’s help, sitting on my driveway were two Volkswagen Jetta’s crammed with what looked like an overflow of someone’s belongings from the hit show, “Hoarders.”Asphyxiated, I was choked with the fear that comes from OPC (other people’s clutter). I had not envisioned every nook and cranny of my clean and highly organized home to be overtaken by her belongings. It took me six months to clear out my dad’s world from my garage. It was now starting all over again.
“Jenni, you can’t be serious!”
“Oh, mom,” she said cheerily. “I’ll be moving out again in September. It’s only for three months.”
Yes, this was true. It was a temporary situation before she began her new job as a first grade teacher at Oak School, but I found myself thinking that day couldn’t come soon enough. I knew my pack-rat child would come with a few steamer trunks, but didn’t expect her to bring the entire Titanic.
Later that evening, exhausted from stacking boxes and finding new shelves for her former life, I laid on my bed and stared at the ceiling as shame cultivated slow, hot tears which blanketed my cheeks. I’d been beyond excited to have her come home. Why was I upset over a few personal items? Then, I remembered a similar moment not long before.
I’m a creature of my own habits. I like order, knowing what to expect, and when it will happen. As my dad tiptoed through his final transition, the days became painfully long. The dying process is a mystery and I found myself dangling hopelessly on the end of a frayed tether ashamed because I wanted it all over.But knowing the minute he was gone I’d want him back again, I decided to offer up a different prayer,
“Please God, don’t let me wish him away!” It was time for that prayer once again.
Realizing I’d been given a rare opportunity to have my adult child all to myself, without the interference of her other siblings, I made a vow.“Jenni, I promise I won’t become that nag you knew in your youth who barked over wet towels on the floor, dishes in the sink or shoes and empty water bottles scattered willy nilly. I’ll close my eyes as I pass by your bedroom in the event a bomb goes off during the night while I’m sleeping, and I’ll lovingly fold your laundry you left piled on the floor. Our time together is short and I want to enjoy you! Soon you’ll leave and the house will be clean once again. And just like with your grandfather, I’ll wish I had you back here, mess and all.”
If you have children, I’m sure you have experienced the same thing. One minute we want them home and then the next, wondering when they will leave. And, before we know it, they do. I’d love to know how you’ve handled the coming and goings of this Gen Y and Millinneum Generation as they seem to float in and out of the family home, trying to make it in their own life.