Today was a lovely day. Daughter 2 was staying the weekend with us since her flatmate's away, and our son came across from Glasgow for lunch. We always have the girls, our son-in-law and my mother over on Sundays but often these days our son's too busy - on duty or about to go on night shift or something. Unusually, he came by himself because his young lady's working this weekend. We sat in the garden for a while; then we had lunch; then we sat in the sitting room drinking coffee with the patio doors open while cats wandered in and out. Mid-afternoon, my mum went home and then our son-in-law, who'd come on his bike, also departed.
Much though I love my mum and our son-in-law, it then suddenly struck me as so lovely that it was just the five of us: Mr Life, me, Daughters 1 and 2 and our son. This happens so rarely nowadays, though obviously it used to be the norm. We sat reading the papers; we chatted a bit; we just relaxed. It was absolutely wonderful.
I don't suppose it'll happen much in the future either. All the offspring have significant others who are often, naturally enough, part of the package, and my mum is usually at family gatherings, talking a lot. But it was so peaceful, the five of us together, chatting in that second-nature family language, with no explanations necessary. Bliss. We felt caught up with our son's doings. He's been doing minor surgery - cutting out sebaceous cysts and - evidently the most fun - removing toenails. (Who would have thought?)
He's also a jolly chap and makes us laugh.
Usually when he goes away I'm sad, feeling that he's been and gone and we haven't really had much time with him. But today it really felt like being a complete family again. Very precious; balm to the soul of an empty nest mum.
I am sitting here grinning for you, Isabelle. Wonderful! You sound so happy and having your family all there is really special for you, I know.
ReplyDeleteSuch special times:-)
ReplyDeleteI was trying to think back to the last time it was just "our five". Then realised because of the addition of four little boys it doesn't happen now days. I'm not complaining however:-)
I should revel in it while I can!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. I'm very fond of my daughter's partner and my mother-in-law is always in the house, but it is nice sometimes to be just us and our daughter putting the world to rights or just catching up.
ReplyDelete(Re comment on my blog - first thing daughter said was 'why didnt you phone Mum, she always has her phone in her pocket:-)
It does indeed sound blissful, and a true blessing to be counted. My lot are scattered, and we seldom manage to be together. Who invented scattering, I ask?
ReplyDeleteOh yes, the "no explanations necessary" is one of the joys. Several years ago, I had one of those rare moments when my younger brother and sister both happened to stay for a few days without their spouses and kids.
ReplyDeleteThe three of us went to the beach for the day and wallowed in nostalgia and it was just lovely. But it took a lot of tact to persuade my husband that us siblings just needed some time together for a bit.
Ah bittersweet. I treasure our "just us" time now too, because we are this little unit who really understand and love each other.
ReplyDeletePersiflage stole my comment. Let's stone them when we find out who did it, Perci!
ReplyDeleteHow I loved reading this! I know that feeling, and it is precious, a little like going back in time and just being 'us' again. Next week my DIL will be going to Australia for work for two weeks, and as much as I love her, a small part of me is looking forward to seeing my son on his own a couple of times...he is going to cook us lunch he promises...a rare treat!
ReplyDeleteHow lucky you are (and obviously a great mother) that you have your family nearby.
Ahhh, sounds like the perfect weekend Isabelle! It is so sad that our families grow up and we can't be our little "unit" again. We had TheFirstChild home this weekend and it was so fun hearing about his summer job, which included his first very brief surgery. It made me realize how much fun his rare visits will be in the future, as he decides what career direction he'll take. I hope you're having a nice relaxing few weeks!
ReplyDeleteOh, complete bliss! :) I already dread my girls' growing up-now even more so. The dreaded time of train keeps speeding up! The oldest gets her temps (driving license) Friday-15 1/2! I will blink and we will be "empty nesters"... Coincidentally, I had just seen a quote about family and it made me think I hadn't checked your post lately. The quote: "Other things may change us, but we begin and end with family." -Anthony Brandt
ReplyDeleteSo glad, and lovely that they all so evidently enjoy and relax into it, which must be largely down to you and Mr Life for being lovely parents.
ReplyDeleteSorry I missed your very special birthday; I'm sure you're still basking in the afterglow!
How lovely for you all. I'm glad you had that special time to relax together.
ReplyDeleteHere's wishing you a belated very happy birthday, dear Isabelle. So sorry I've been lax in visiting and missed it. What a sweet husband and children you have to give you such lovely and creative presents. Daughter 2 did a wonderful job on the cake. She's quite an artist.
How nice to have some time away and with a cat sitter/spoiler to boot.
It's a puzzle that your monarda and coneflowers only last a year. Is your soil clayey?
Your garden is looking beautiful. Isn't color delightful?
Glad you are enjoying our day trips around rural Victoria! I actually got the idea from your blog, and it seems to be spreading around blog-world. My Dad used to call himself an armchair traveller because he loved to spend a weekend afternoon reading books about the world outside of Australia. He would have revelled in the Internet if he'd survived until his 100th birthday.
ReplyDeleteThat is another heart warming anecdote about your family. Ken and I like it when there is just his Mum, his sister and her husband - without all the kids and steps...
Goodness, I know just what you mean about relaxed 'real family' time. I always found the time with 'just us', as opposed to having 'everyone else' included, is magical and special, and has a feeling all of it's own. Also, as you say, a language, often unspoken, all of it's own, as well.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I am sure the grammar is off in there somewhere, but I hope you will forgive me.