Monday, March 30, 2015

Spring Break, Sons, Shopping, and Chocolate


My younger son and I took my older son to the airport today. Their grandmother, a retired flight attendant, is treating him to a belated birthday trip...four days in New York City. Jack has never flown alone before, and I was a little worried. Without boarding passes, we couldn't walk with him to the gate; so we had to say our good-byes at security.
Will and I waited and watched as Jack put his suitcase and backpack on the conveyor belt, walked through the scanner, and gathered his stuff up again.
"Did you see him put his wallet back in his pocket?" I asked.
Will said he did.
Jack turned and waved to us once more before climbing on the escalator. We watched until the escalator lifted him slowly out of our line of sight.
Jack likes to be on the go.
Jack will be fine. He was excited.
Will and I will be fine; but we were sad.
We turned around and headed for the exit. My shoulders slumped a little. This will be the first spring break ever that we all haven't been together...whether at home or on vacation. While that fact alone makes me sad, it makes me sadder to think that in only two years we'll be sending Jack off to college.
Will put his arm around my shoulders.
I put my sunglasses on.
"Are you crying a little?" he asked. I wasn't, but I was thinking about it.
Will, who normally hates to shop, suggested that the two of us go to the mall. He said he needed new shoes. It was a good distraction.
We spent the afternoon trying on tennis shoes, eating soft pretzels, and browsing through the lacrosse section at the sporting goods store.
I bought a few things on sale; but Will couldn't find the shoes he wanted.
We made our way to the car.
"I'm leaving here feeling a little incomplete," he said. I wasn't sure if he was just talking about the shoes.
"We'll order a pair for you," I told him.
"I'd also kind of like a fondue fountain," he said. I wasn't sure if he really had a sudden urge for free-flowing chocolate, or if he was just trying to think of something to keep my spirits up.
Either way, he made me smile.

16 comments:

  1. Now that's a good son! He knew just what to say and do to comfort mom's heart. What an adventure for Jack!

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  2. I love this moment you captured with your son. He sounds like he's got a good heart. I'm sure Jack will love his trip, but I know how tightened apron strings pull our heartstrings. Enjoy your break!

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    1. Thank you! We will have to get that chocolate fountain flowing!

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  3. Your boys are so handsome! It must be hard to let your son go on a trip alone but it sounds like he will have a great time with his Grandma. When you put on your sunglasses, it reminded me that whenever I was leaving on a trip when I was younger, my mom would cry and wear her sunglasses to cover it! Your slice made me recall that. Hope spring break goes well for all of you!

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  4. Your boys are so handsome! It must be hard to let your son go on a trip alone but it sounds like he will have a great time with his Grandma. When you put on your sunglasses, it reminded me that whenever I was leaving on a trip when I was younger, my mom would cry and wear her sunglasses to cover it! Your slice made me recall that. Hope spring break goes well for all of you!

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    1. Thank you! I'm going to have to remember to keep those sunglasses handy. Will says he's going to Hollywood with his grandmother for his 16th birthday trip!

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  5. Your boys are so handsome! It must be hard to let your son go on a trip alone but it sounds like he will have a great time with his Grandma. When you put on your sunglasses, it reminded me that whenever I was leaving on a trip when I was younger, my mom would cry and wear her sunglasses to cover it! Your slice made me recall that. Hope spring break goes well for all of you!

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  6. Your boys are so handsome! It must be hard to let your son go on a trip alone but it sounds like he will have a great time with his Grandma. When you put on your sunglasses, it reminded me that whenever I was leaving on a trip when I was younger, my mom would cry and wear her sunglasses to cover it! Your slice made me recall that. Hope spring break goes well for all of you!

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  7. Hope Jack has a safe flight. Will knew just what to say. It's going to be a weird week without your older-- you'll have to let us know. I will be experiencing a week myself this summer. Yikes!

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    1. Thank you! He is safe and sound with his grandmother now. They are having a blast!

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  8. Hope Jack has a safe flight. Will knew just what to say. It's going to be a weird week without your older-- you'll have to let us know. I will be experiencing a week myself this summer. Yikes!

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  9. what a wonderful, bittersweet slice. It sounds like you are raising some amazing young men.

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  11. You kids sound awesome! Enjoy the time with your one son, it may be just what you need!

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