Not too many years ago, our family seemed large: teenagers everywhere, someone always coming or going, and a menagerie of animals that needed attention.
Later this week, three kids are headed back to college, and we'll have only one child left at home. I knew this would be a change, but it's going to be quieter than I expected. This has not been a good summer for our pets. In June, Oreos, our cat, died suddenly one night in her sleep. Earlier this month, as I have already posted, our basset hound Lucy got sick and didn't make it. And just this morning, I am sad to report that even Superman, the guinea pig, succumbed. He lived a good long guinea pig life--6 years or so, I think.
I'm beginning to realize how much noise comes with having a houseful of people and animals. I'm reminded of the children's book, Too Much Noise. Except I find myself expecting the doggie door to flap open, and Lucy to come running, whenever I am in the backyard. I expect to hear the soft patter of Crystal's feet, as she walks across the carpet. I expect to hear the cute chirps and giggles of Superman when I walk into the room. Fortunately, I still hear the happy, contented sounds of the hens, and though Reepicheep the rat is quiet, he makes his presence known as a permanent fixture on the shoulder of youngest daughter. (As a side note, I'm so impressed with what a great pet a rat makes!)
I've always envisioned myself handling an empty nest fairly well. I love my children and I delight in watching them mature into responsible adults. That joy for their successes exceeds the selfish desire to keep them as children. I think the last time I was bored I was about 7 years old. I don't anticipate running out of things to do. I'm not generally energized by crowds of people, but rather enjoy quiet times. And yet, I'm thinking this fall might seem a bit too quiet. If this fall is quiet, just how quiet will the future be, when even the youngest is out on her own?
Like Peter in Too Much Noise, I suppose I could get a donkey, etc., but that would just mask the real question: What am I going to be, when my children are all grown up? :-)
Later this week, three kids are headed back to college, and we'll have only one child left at home. I knew this would be a change, but it's going to be quieter than I expected. This has not been a good summer for our pets. In June, Oreos, our cat, died suddenly one night in her sleep. Earlier this month, as I have already posted, our basset hound Lucy got sick and didn't make it. And just this morning, I am sad to report that even Superman, the guinea pig, succumbed. He lived a good long guinea pig life--6 years or so, I think.
I'm beginning to realize how much noise comes with having a houseful of people and animals. I'm reminded of the children's book, Too Much Noise. Except I find myself expecting the doggie door to flap open, and Lucy to come running, whenever I am in the backyard. I expect to hear the soft patter of Crystal's feet, as she walks across the carpet. I expect to hear the cute chirps and giggles of Superman when I walk into the room. Fortunately, I still hear the happy, contented sounds of the hens, and though Reepicheep the rat is quiet, he makes his presence known as a permanent fixture on the shoulder of youngest daughter. (As a side note, I'm so impressed with what a great pet a rat makes!)
I've always envisioned myself handling an empty nest fairly well. I love my children and I delight in watching them mature into responsible adults. That joy for their successes exceeds the selfish desire to keep them as children. I think the last time I was bored I was about 7 years old. I don't anticipate running out of things to do. I'm not generally energized by crowds of people, but rather enjoy quiet times. And yet, I'm thinking this fall might seem a bit too quiet. If this fall is quiet, just how quiet will the future be, when even the youngest is out on her own?
Like Peter in Too Much Noise, I suppose I could get a donkey, etc., but that would just mask the real question: What am I going to be, when my children are all grown up? :-)
Wow...you've lost too many pets this summer! I'm so sorry!
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