Having two batches of kids isn’t always easy.
I am trying to get the two little ones to learn how to be patient, learn how to pick up their toys, learn not to cry when things don’t go your way. I teach them to just respond, “Okay, Mommy” when they are told to do something.
And the very same time, I watch the two older ones learn how to be responsible, learn how to be self-sufficient, and learn not to cry when things don’t go your way. And I still expect to hear, “Okay, Mommy.”
Then, I realize that there is another person that needs to respond similarly. My Mother.
She was due to retire in July of 2008. She had been looking forward to it for probably the last twenty years, but especially the last four. She was counting down the days. However, when she finally became eligible for retirement, she postponed it for six months. Okay, fine, whatever. Then she postponed it again for a year! Okay, fine, whatever. She said that she would retire in early 2010. Okay, fine, whatever. However, now that 2010 is only a few months away, she is already sounding like she is going to delay it again. Okay, fine, whatev…. WAIT!! 
Stop it! Enough is enough. Retire already!
I want to just sit back and let her make her own choices, but it’s not always easy when you don’t agree with those choices. I want to trust that she knows what she is doing, but I’m afraid of those consequences that she just doesn’t see. I want to just let her grow up and figure it out on her own. Do I need to put her in a home to get her to step back? Is that a “time-out” punishment for your parents?
It’s your turn, Mom. You’ve earned the right to retire. Just do what you are told. Okay, Mommy?
Or perhaps I need to learn not to cry when things don’t go my way. Nah.
I AGREE. you go girl!
ReplyDeleteI'm having a hard time letting my mom grow up, too.
ReplyDeleteOkay, Sharon...you already have 4 people in your life saying, "Okay, Mommy", when will it ever be enough? Since you are not my Mommy, you will not hear it from me. I think I learned from you, back when you were a teenager, to listen and then go off and do what you want to do. Your mother has learned from the best...You. I love you and thank you for caring, but retirement is a very personal thing, and just as an adult will know when to get married, or whom to marry, when to have kids, when to make other "adult" decisions, I think I am qualified to decide when to retire. Please trust me, that I know what I am doing...at least what is best for me...at this time in my life. You will be the first to know when I do make that important life changing decision.
ReplyDeleteThanks for caring and loving me the way that you do! Now it is your turn to say, "Okay, Mommy!" or maybe the adult thing to do is to say, "We will agree to disagree at this time."
Love ya lots,
Mom
Oops... seems I might have hit a nerve with Mom. But, in my defense, please see my very first post with my disclaimer for offending my readers! :) Sorry, mom... just want you happy.
ReplyDeleteMy dear niece, I have really enjoyed reading all of your blogs. You are a very talented story teller. It's a nice way for me to get to know you more since we are all so busy with our lives. I've enjoyed learning how you teach your little ones and in reading this particular blog I must remind you of how you taught Boog and Weasel when they were little of WHO was in CHARGE...."Who's the mommie?" Sorry, but you are trumped by YOUR mommie. :)
ReplyDeleteAs for my dear sister....be sure you leave while there is still some lead in your pencil!
Love you both!