Five weeks.
Five weeks of sleeping in and picnic dinners and bathrooms that stayed clean.
Five weeks of no slamming doors or sticky handprints or dishes left in the sink.
Five weeks of quiet. Peace. Calm.
Tomorrow it comes to a close.
And–dare I say–bring it on.
I’m craving a little bit ‘o’ chaos. Voices raised in competition to be heard. Laughter. Tales of the places they went and the things they saw.
Every year when they leave I lug out the hypothetical boards and hammer and nails and I get to work, sealing off an entire chamber of my heart, like when a ski lodge closes for lack of snow. There’s even a little sign temporarily hung: Do Not Enter.
For as long as they’re away, that part of me remains void–untouchable. A little piece of me, holding vigil.
Five weeks.
They come home and only when they’re each accounted for–only then–can I tear down the barricades. Only then can I breathe easy.
My pulse escalates just thinking about it. My arms tingle from phantom hugs. My eyes crave the sight of them, with their newly sun-kissed shoulders and longer hair and ever-so-slightly older smiles.
It won’t be long now.
But these final moments? Torture.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh, I know you can’t wait. Together again. :)
Steph
I’m so excited for you. Tomorrow will be a wonderful day!
Good for you :)
That was so nicely written.
I was just wondering…how lucky for all of you…as they get older and have their own lives, the moments until you see them are always torture.
Well I was going to call you today, but instead I’ll just say Happy Homecoming. Enjoy the day with your girls!
I always think the last bit of waiting is always the toughest. Happy Day!
Yeah!!!! {{{{happy dance}}}}
I’m so glad they are home! Yay for you!
Oh my Darcie…five weeks is a very long time. I have tears of joy just thinking about how much you missed them!
I hope you are enjoying time with your girls and celebrating their homecoming. I can’t imagine how long five weeks must seem with your nest so empty.
Enjoy the homecoming – sticky handprints, slamming doors, and all. :)