Hubby has been off for a week of much-needed time away. That last Sunday before going back on Monday is always dreaded. Kind of like an all day reminder that “the party’s over”. Note to self, don’t forget to buy the lotto tickets this week!
As I mentioned in my Happy Anniversary post, our younger set of kids have been in Ireland for the past couple of weeks. We didn’t hear from them the first few days and yes, it was concerning to this mother’s heart. I just needed to know their flight landed safely AND hear it/read it from them. The assuming thing has never worked well for me. Nor has the no news is good news. Give me concrete.
And finally, a few days into their trip AND into ours, an “UNAVAILABLE” showed up on my caller ID….and it was them. It was very refreshing to hear their voices and learn of their experiences thus far. We have now talked several times and even did the Facebook video once. (similar to Skype)
No matter how hard I try to be a normal adult friend to my kids, the “mom” just comes out. I can’t help it. I found myself asking about their car, the roads, the traffic. Did they see sunshine? How was the food, were they taking their probiotics? Were the people kind? Did they feel safe in their bed and breakfasts? And then after twenty questions, they broke their silence on a secret. The ultimate “don’t” they “did”. Worse than running with scissors. They picked up a stranger, at a bank no less, when exchanging for euros. They crammed her into the back of their tiny rented car with their mega luggage. They drove her to the Cliffs of Moher, as they were going there anyways. She was a graduate student from the states, backpacking alone through much of Europe. She would eventually return home to teach. She wanted to know more of the tornadoes of Oklahoma and Missouri. They spent much of that day with her. She could have been an axe murderer. But I talked to them after the fact, so if she was, she spared them. Thank. Goodness.
I still struggle some days, wrapping my head around “social media”. It is because of Skype minutes and Facebook that we were able to stay in communication with our traveling children. And because of Facebook, twitter and WordPress, that I have met each of you or reconnected with you! Scaling the path of resistance can lead to broader horizons. I have never been to Ireland. But I have now seen a view of it through a castle window via Facebook video. I have not picked up a hitch hiker in many moons. But I have found you through my daily travels. And hopefully none of you are axe murderers, either. I miss you when I am gone.
I have much catch up to do now. Thanks for listening to my ramblings. HaPPy Monday to each of you! 🙂 Join me in trying really hard to be nicer to people! Even on days when it’s a struggle. ♥
p.s. One other thing I found humor in while talking to the kids. On their ride to the cliffs with their axe murderer, what song would come on the radio of their mini-car but, “Okie from Muskogee”. Who woulda thunk it in Ireland? What a lovely place! 🙂
stuff i tell my sister 
Glad you enjoyed your time off AND that your kids are truly blessed! I know our daughter gets really tired of the “call me when you get there” routine, but as long as I am alive and she is not sitting beside me, I NEED that phone call! Now, have fun getting caught up!
haha….so glad to know I’m not the only one out there! 🙂
Love your post! It’s unfortunate that the world we live in causes us to fret over things like this, but alas, this is the world we live in:) Sounds like the kids are being smart and so glad you are able to experience Ireland through their eyes. Just keep the prayers going until they return home:)
Never a day passes without praying for my kiddos! Thanks Jannette ~ (for some odd reason, I found you in my spam box….not sure how that happened!!! 🙂 )
Well Paula, if this makes you feel any better….our oldest daughter just turned 59 and I still insist on a phone call when she and her husband are traveling. It never ends…Mom’s have to know their kids are safe.
🙂 so, so, good to hear, Delores ♥
My sentiments to a tee!! Always need to hear the kids, grandkids, are safe and where they are supposed to be!! Just goes along with being a parent 🙂 I still check in with my Momma too!! She is 97 but still needs to know I am safe!! So glad your kids are on such a fabulous trip. My sister-in-law has made that trip twice and says it is beautiful!! Get rested for your next trek!! Still love to read your “ramblings”!! Love ya 🙂
I think my folks may get tired of my checking in! 🙂 Thanks for reading….still waiting on some of your rain!!!! ♥
Once a mom, always a mom (no matter how big they are)
Glad to hear everyone is safe and having a good time…
yep….like it or not! 🙂
You will always be “mom” even if they are grown, its OK-my grown kids tell me they love that I can be a friend AND a mom, still-beebeesworld
Great that we can be both ♥
and…..i seem to remember a time you gave a stranger a ride from the airport as a young one…….yes kids, give me a call and i will provide more details 🙂
I have no memory of this…… so provide ME with more details!
Awww Paula, you are SUCH a MOM! Sounds like the kids are doing great over there. Axe Murderer…lol. I know, we ALL go there. And as for the song? Who doesn’t like a bit of Merle now and again. Rest well Mother…the kids are blooming fine!
xo
🙂 They really are….I am so proud of them.
You should be…Maybe somewhere down the line, you and hubs will be the ones skyping from there yeah? Ohhh to dream.
I hate flying…..I’m afraid a 7.5 hr flight would do me in! But if I have the right medication….maybe! 🙂
GET THE PILLS…do NOT let it stop you Paula. CARPE VOLANS (flying).
I do still fly….but nobody wants to set next to me or claim they know me!!!!
hehe…that’s ok. who cares a hoot for that. sit next to a stranger and charm him to tears (or laughter) or just let your head lull on their shoulder. DO IT!
🙂
I am sure that because it was YOU dear lady that raised the kids that they have a very good sense of who is an axe murderer and who isn’t. 🙂 And if they mis-judge then they probably have the people/speaking skills to talk the axe murderer out of their intended plan. And not only that, but if they are anything like yourself they would be talking the murderer into joining a monastery/convent and turning their life around. LOL.
Yes, we never do “grow out” of needing to know they are safe. If I hear of a traffic tie-up on the highway at the time I know my daughter will be traveling I insist she let me know she is ok. She doesn’t get mad. I think they actually like knowing we care. 🙂
🙂 They are both easy to know…and love meeting new people. It sounds like this young lady was very sweet…..glad I didn’t know til after though!
Your kids are sooo lucky!! My mom was the same way, and secretly [even if I didn’t let on…] I loved knowing that she always wanted/needed to know where I was and if I was ok. Nothing beats that! I’m with you though…good to hear about the hitchhiker AFTER the fact…! xoxo
It’s funny after we leave their house….they are the ones texting to see if WE have made it home yet! I have handed off the baton, it seems~ A safe after is always better! 🙂
You have taught them well, job well done!! I am the same way with my sister and friends, it’s been drilled into me and I love it!
😉
I found myself watching the olympics and thinking that I couldn’t imagine anyone there being dangerous and I suspect I’d feel the same in Ireland. It’s silly I know and I wouldn’t be pleased either if my child picked up a stranger.
I agree….it seems quaint and lovely. I just need to learn to trust that my now grown children have the same “gut” instincts about danger that I do. And fortunately, they did this time! 🙂
Ah the joys of youth I think we all have done things that we look back at some point and say why the hell did we risk that and statistically its nearer to home you have to watch out for but such is the chain of life that it is our job to worry and theirs to give us grey hair
oh well said, Paula ! the things I never told my parents! 🙂
Hello! I dropped in to thank you for following my blog and delighted to find your above charming post. I enjoyed reading about your home life and kids. It’s amazing how we might think a time or vacation from them might be just what the doctor ordered, only to find out it is the hardest thing in the world to do
Thanks again for visting my barefoot baroness blog ~ BB
awww…..thank YOU for the visit! please come often! 🙂
Thanks for adding me..I totally agree..being kind to people is important..you never know when they or you might need a lending hand!
exactly. we just never know what other folks might be dealing with behind that smile ~ 🙂
I am just not cool enough for my “mom” not to come out with my kids — loved this post–glad you visited my blog so I could find yours! I like you already.
haha ~ appreciate your visit and please come back often! I will do the same! 🙂
You AND your kids are very blessed. 🙂 I’m glad you picked up the phone when your kids called. I may not have answered it if I saw an unavailable number show up in my caller ID.
Thanks so much. And you are RIGHT on picking up the phone on an unavailable! When I do I am usually already on the defense! What a pleasant surprise!! 🙂