I've been avoiding my blog for a few weeks. I wasn't sure why before, but I think I know now. Here are the "top of my head" excuses: I've been busy, I haven't really had anything on my mind, I've had other priorities, blah, blah, blah...
Here's the real reason: I've been afraid to dive into my thoughts and feelings about the last month.
So many changes and glimpses of life to come. Katy has been gone for almost 2 weeks and while I noticed she was gone, I didn't really miss her, until yesterday when I sent her and her brother good wishes for their first day with campers.
Until that point, it seemed like she was just away for a little bit and she'd be back soon. With campers arriving, her work begins and it's no longer a little trip away from home; she is gone for the summer, doing important, powerful work!
With that realization, I got so weepy!! Not because I miss her and her brother though. I do miss them, but over the years they have steadily spent more time away from home and that is how it should be. It's prepping them to fly from the nest. I got weepy because I was overwhelmed with feelings of love and pride.
When my children are at home, they are much like everyone else's teenagers, albeit a little louder and more animated than some:-) They make us crazy by talking back, not doing chores, leaving messes, needing rides, cars, money etc... They are also interesting, funny, smart people who I enjoy spending time with. BUT, they are still children.
When they go to camp in the summer they are transformed! I'm sure their supervisors would say they are still teenagers, and I know they are, but they also become responsible, respectful, compassionate, self-motivated, confident people. They become their better selves. They nurture and care for children - other people's precious children! What a important job!
The expectations of the staff are high ~ those who make poor choices are sent home. There is no room for messing up in a big way when you are caring for other people's children. There is forgiveness and second chances, but the rules are clear and the consequences are immediate. Because they are teenagers I know that at any point one of my children could make one bad choice and be home for the rest of the summer. I'm confident they won't - they love where they are and what they get to do there too much! I think they also love being away from home. I know they love me, but sometimes I "mother" too much. At camp they are responsible for their own selves, I can't rescue them and they know that and appreciate it. I think.
I miss them a lot. I wish they could come with us when we travel to see other family, but am so proud that they made their own decisions to stay and do their very important work. As hard as I can be on myself, it is times like this when I know I've been a pretty good mom and my husband and I have done a pretty good job raising some amazing people.
Here's the real reason: I've been afraid to dive into my thoughts and feelings about the last month.
So many changes and glimpses of life to come. Katy has been gone for almost 2 weeks and while I noticed she was gone, I didn't really miss her, until yesterday when I sent her and her brother good wishes for their first day with campers.
Until that point, it seemed like she was just away for a little bit and she'd be back soon. With campers arriving, her work begins and it's no longer a little trip away from home; she is gone for the summer, doing important, powerful work!
With that realization, I got so weepy!! Not because I miss her and her brother though. I do miss them, but over the years they have steadily spent more time away from home and that is how it should be. It's prepping them to fly from the nest. I got weepy because I was overwhelmed with feelings of love and pride.
When my children are at home, they are much like everyone else's teenagers, albeit a little louder and more animated than some:-) They make us crazy by talking back, not doing chores, leaving messes, needing rides, cars, money etc... They are also interesting, funny, smart people who I enjoy spending time with. BUT, they are still children.
When they go to camp in the summer they are transformed! I'm sure their supervisors would say they are still teenagers, and I know they are, but they also become responsible, respectful, compassionate, self-motivated, confident people. They become their better selves. They nurture and care for children - other people's precious children! What a important job!
The expectations of the staff are high ~ those who make poor choices are sent home. There is no room for messing up in a big way when you are caring for other people's children. There is forgiveness and second chances, but the rules are clear and the consequences are immediate. Because they are teenagers I know that at any point one of my children could make one bad choice and be home for the rest of the summer. I'm confident they won't - they love where they are and what they get to do there too much! I think they also love being away from home. I know they love me, but sometimes I "mother" too much. At camp they are responsible for their own selves, I can't rescue them and they know that and appreciate it. I think.
I miss them a lot. I wish they could come with us when we travel to see other family, but am so proud that they made their own decisions to stay and do their very important work. As hard as I can be on myself, it is times like this when I know I've been a pretty good mom and my husband and I have done a pretty good job raising some amazing people.
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