April 15, 2009

Alone and Lonely

Since Sunday and for the next two weeks I am without children. They are staying with grandparents who live several hours away. I have never been so long without my children. Heck, most of the time I have not even been more than a couple of hours without them. When you homeschool there is rarely a time when you are not with them. But they are having a great time with grandparents and cousins.

Today is my third day alone and I am feeling their absence. I awoke this morning with a sadness knowing that there was nothing for me to do and no one to talk to. My cat loves all the extra attention he's getting but then he's used to the kiddos loving on him all day long too. I have been productive for the last couple of days, gardening, quilting, shopping, eating whatever I want whenever I want. It's been great. But today I wish I had a little person telling me about the worlds he's created with his Legos. I miss snuggling up with my daughter who is always so warm and soft. I miss the hug my eldest gives since he has grown taller than me. I miss my kids.

But this was the purpose of this time. I was in need of a break and they were in need of some fun. When they return we will all feel renewed and ready to give each other our best again. After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder. In the meantime, I've heard that reading does a lot to relieve stress. Today I shall read.

9 comments:

Shelley said...

I so feel for you! I love having some alone time, but when my kids are out of the house at night I feel like someone has taken the organs out of my body (that sounds really strange but it's the only way I know how to describe it.) I still think it's a good thing, and I hope you can enjoy yourself!

Petunia said...

It makes perfect sense. I feel as if my lungs were removed last night. I just can't catch my breath. But it is a good thing, for all of us.

bermudaonion said...

I know how you feel. When our son left for college, I missed him so much. It does get better with time, though.

Jeane said...

Ah. I've only got one child, and when she went on vacation w/husb to grandma's house last year, it was so quiet without them! I cherished the time to sleep in, dig in the garden at my leisure, read all day- but at the same time missed them very much. Sounds like they will be back soon, though.

Ti said...

I've never been away from my kids for more than a weekend and even that was tough. However, as moms we really do need a break now and then.

Plan some lunches with your girlfriends and do try to do the stuff that you don't normally do when the kids are around. Like a heavenly bubble bath!

I went to a conference last year and took a bath and it was like going to the spa. Floating, reading, it was great.

Zibilee said...

I am sorry you are missing the little ones so much, but I agree that when they get back it will be a great renewal of feelings. Take some time to do all the things you don't normally get the chance to, and don't forget to really pamper yourself!

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

I hope you get a much needed break, Petunia, without too much loss. I saw a comment you left on someone's site that you might join the read-a-thon. I hope you do.

Robin said...

It takes quite awhile to get used to having the "kids" gone. Of course, mine are grown and married, but it's always the same after a visit -- the house is too quiet and I don't know what to do with myself for awhile!

Petunia said...

BermudaOnion- I have a while before I have an empty nest but I can easily imagine how difficult that is.

Jeane- Three move days and the house will be full of noise again. I'm ready for it.

Ti- I've been dating my husband while the kiddos are away. It has been great. I'll miss that when they get back.

Zibilee- I haven't eaten a single bowl of MacNCheese. Now that's pampering. :)

Trish- I decided against the read-a-thon because I wanted to spend the time with my husband while I had the chance. But I will try my hardest to join in Oct.

Robin- I'm getting a taste of what my mom goes through and it's tough. But it's only two weeks. We're almost done and I can have them back again; noise, mess and all. Yay!