You deserve a break today.
Posted: February 25, 2009 Filed under: Uncategorized 7 Comments »
Today was the beginning of the rest of my life.
You know, the part where I let my guys go.
Today my 10 year old and my 11 year old asked if they could ride their bikes to McDonald’s for dinner with some friends.
TWO POINT SIX MILES AWAY.
I said yes.
It wasn’t easy for me. But I did it.
I pumped up their tires and sent them on their way with $10 in a pocket.
And they left.
A bit later, I had to run out to school for a conference. On the way home, I ‘accidentally’ went the wrong way and drove past McD’s.
I saw ZERO bicycles. I drove around twice. Nothing. Nada.
Should I go in?
No.
I called Andrew. Had he heard from the boys? They promised they’d call when they got there. Yes, they had called.
I wondered where the bikes were, but reluctantly (and a little ashamed I’d gone in the first place) I drove away.
When the boys got home (you knew they would, right?) they were full of giggles and pride. They’d had the best time ever. They felt mature. Responsible. Grown up.
Oh, not grown up. Please. Not yet.
wow. that’s brave!
Brave indeed…eating that crap.
Nice! Hard to let go! Proud of them!
I imagine that would be freaky! I love that you went to check up on them at the restaurant…
good job Wendy…my generation (yes, I’m older and so of a different generation) held on toooo tightly. Afraid to let go, and now many of the young adults in their 20′s are having a much harder time finding their way.
wow. that is the first step. i remember how i anguished over that. tonight? my 16-year-old if he could go to the south shore (we long islanders speak in shores) 40 minutes away with a friend driving. who has only had her license for 2.5 months. as luck would have it the plans fell apart before i had to say no. i find that happens a lot. then i still get to be the good guy.
you age a better mommy than I. It would freak me out if they did that without me! Even in the age of cell phones, I couldn’t do it. I think I need help.