The Sound of Silence...Not in MY Kitchen

The Boomeranger boomed away. Now you are two. What's it like to be a couple again?

Probably has something to do with the fact that our grown-up son (we'll call him "Z") has finally fled for fairer shores. He left a lot of his stuff behind, so it's fun to picture him working on one (more than one project is in half-done state in the room he occupied).

Pictures of the mind. Phone calls, e-mails. That's it.

Just when we had been totally used to being a couple in a strange new land (trust me, Tuscon is way strange), our "Z" lands. For eight months, he was taken care of, perhaps appreciated too much, who knows. He ended up hating the place, (hard to blame him, considering...) and before he even had the chance to hate us we suggested he move.

That's not even true. This "kid" was so self-aware that he KNEW he had to get out even if the dream job hadn't yet arrived. Smart "Z."

He packed up most of his stuff and fled. So, we get to go back to Square One, couple-wise.

No kid in the room, down the hall, coming through the door. Which, at a certain age, is just fine and dandy, if you catch my drift.

And now, here's that guy you married. Who is he again?

Well, better prepare now, you young 'uns. Because that eight-year-old pain-in-your-butt is going to be 21-years-old someday. And if you want a wonderful relationship with him, as we do our son, you'd best start laying the groundwork. In fact, start before your kids can even walk, if you can. Baby steps.

That's what it's all about. Regardless of stage, age or state-of-obnoxiousness, the kid is yours, and you want to be proud of this human being you've unleashed on society. And the world.

Each stage is a gift. Each sentiment a blessing.

Now, where's that cute hubby of mine? There's a present that needs wrapping.