A few minutes ago I yelled at my youngest daughter. It was terrible. I simply made a point to which she responded with her customary smart a** response. I reminded her that in my day, a response like that would get a slipper thrown at me. Of course, it escalated and she isn’t speaking to me. And I know whose fault it is. Let me explain…
You see, everything started a few years ago. I travel with my job and I am gone a lot. One day it dawned on me that no one rushed to the door anymore when I got home. In fact, IF anyone was home, they MAYBE waived at me assuming they could put the cell phone down first.
Friday night “family dinner” had to be quick and early so we could drop them off at their friend’s house for sleep-overs (and don’t get me started about what happened AFTER they got their drivers licenses).
Saturday “family movie night” with a blanket and a pizza disappeared – our envoys had an easier time obtaining concessions from the Iranians than us reaching consensus on what to watch (what happened to “Enchanted” and why are the Kardashians on TV anyway?).
Watching the Bears on Sunday became an even lonelier experience than before.
And when we were in the same house for a few minutes, I had to share them with whomever they were “group texting” (the symphony that is the constant “message notification” buzzer WILL drive you nuts after awhile).
Soon child number 1 went to college. Number 2 followed a year later. Number 3 now has a boyfriend. She is leaving next year too. And all we do is fight. Why? I’ll tell you why.
I miss my girls running up to me. I miss being the only man in their lives. I miss family movie night. I miss the time when the only “dates” in my house is the fruit I eat when I am having adult “issues.” And now my baby has become one of “them” (you dads out there all know who “them/they” are, don’t you?) even though she promised she never would be like that (actually, all 3 of them promised…and all 3 of them are now in the “them/they” club”).
Yup, the fight with my daughter was all my fault. I have become edgy…grumpy…yuk
I know how to solve it. World peace (or at least peace in my house and life) can be established easily. All I need is to do ONE little thing…and we will then all get along swimmingly hereinafter.
I need to learn to let go. That is all. Very simply. Understand that they are now adults with their own lives.
But I don’t want to.
I know this is just “life.” But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.
I have to start dealing with this. I have to get used to “them” – and the “boyfriends” ( but NEVER the Kardashians)
And soon. Before another year passes and everyone is gone.
So here I stand with an open mind and open arms. Ready to hear any and all suggestions.
The real solution? Does anyone have access to a time machine? 🙂