Saturday, June 14, 2008

Here We Go Again!

Yesterday was that dreaded day. The one where I say goodbye to my three older children for six weeks while they go to visit their dad in Arizona. I didn't act quickly enough to buy airline tickets, so I rented a car and drove them across the border. This was good because we had that last five hours to spend together before we parted.

This gave them time to insult the music I was playing, which happened to be Simon and Garfunkle's concert in Central Park.
"Garfunkle, Mom?"

"That's right. Garfunkle. And if you're an American and you don't want to be considered ignorant, you should not say it that way. Please don't tell me you are now a music snob. This music is part of your musical culture. And it's my job to make sure you are musically literate. Plus, it's good. I promise you that Radio Disney does not good music make."


We listened to the whole thing twice and I sang every word in harmony, just like my mother always did. And Conor danced. And when the other teen started to bag on it, the first teen actually piped up and defended it. ("It's not that bad." Darn straight.) Maybe we're making progress.


We saw a hawk fly low right over the highway in front of our car with a snake hanging from its beak.


We discussed Lyndsay's birthday party plans for when she returns. This will be the 5th year in a row that I have not been with Lyndsay on her birthday because it falls right in the middle of summer.


We talked and cracked up, and Aiden counted down the milemarkers. When I could see the exit overpass in the distance, I said, "Oh, I just got that knot in my stomach." Lyndsay said, "Me too. I think our knots are tied together." Probably true. We pulled off the highway at Exit 69 on I-10 and there were my former in-laws waiting to take them away. That was weird. But I squeezed every last ounce of love I could from them. I stared at their faces real close to memorize every freckle and dimple and scar. I kissed them. I took one last picture of each one.

I cried a bit when Lyns couldn't hold it in, bless her heart, and then I watched them drive away. Conor and I headed for home.

Paul and Art sang along with me while Conor danced in the back seat, "Homeward Bound" and "The Sounds of Silence".

It will be a long six weeks. The house is empty and clean. And Conor doesn't know where everybody went. But I have big plans to pass the time and I can't wait to get started!

13 comments:

YogaNana said...

Ahhhhhhhh...!!!!!!!

But, hey, I'm happy to hear you're carrying on the tradition of musical literacy!

And what are your plans for the next few weeks?

Annette Lyon said...

I swear, every summer I hear about your kids going away, and I tear up.

Way to get your kids educated. Art and Paul rock.

Lesley said...

I feel for you! I had week-on, week-off custody of my older two, so every week they left and it was so hard. At least they were still basically in the same town though. My little Moo would want to go with them too bless her heart, and when Nat came along and she got to stay all the time Moo thought that was great!

I love that your "knots are tied together". How sweet!

Misty said...

Hopefully along with "Homeward Bound" and "Sounds of Silence" on your way home, you listened to "Bridge Over Troubled Water" -- I strongly believe Simon & Garfunkle can sing you through everything. :) I think it's so cool that your kids get as nervous/teary/knotted as you do when it's time to leave...that should tell you what a great mom you are! Good luck - hope the next 6 weeks fly by! "When you're weary, feeling small,When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all; I'm on your side. when times get rough And friends just can't be found, Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down."

Unknown said...

that's so cute that you got to have that memory of them insulting your cool music.

sorry you have to part. wish you well.

peace, kathleen

Laurie said...

Oh man Jenna. You are an amazing woman! I hope the next six weeks fly by and they are home again before you know it. I love the "knots tied together" line.

Don said...

Gotta make sure those kids know good music when they hear it. It's an important part of the parenting experience.

Did your kids ever watch Arthur on PBS? Art Garfunkel guest starred as a guitar-strumming moose in The Ballad of Buster Baxter episode. Not sure if that bit of trivia will help your cause or not, but there you go.

Here's wishing you a fast, carefree summer and a happy reunion.

Momo Fali said...

Ugh. I have a knot for you. I hope the time flies!

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

Awww heck, now I'm crying too!

Jacquie said...

Haven't commented in a long time.

I feel your pain in this post. My oldest DD left me for the 1st time 3 summers ago for just 2 weeks to visit her Dad/family. The knots oh the knots.

By the 1st week my DH said I was "owly" whatever that means LOL. It's tough that's for sure.

((Hugs))

Julie Wright said...

homeward bound . . . my fav!!!! You are a good mommy. I'm sorry they're gone for a bit but glad you've got plans.

Anonymous said...

Man.. this made me tear up.. I hope the next six weeks fly.. Can't wait to see what you have planned.. :)

Heather Moore said...

How sad. Sweet pictures. Sorry you have to miss your daughter's birthday--I'm sure you make up for it when she returns :) Sounds like a fun drive.