Last day

/ J. F. Riordan

Our adventure with our eldest grandson began August 26th, and now we’re down to our last day. We had a quite splendid Christmas holiday together with his little brother and mom. As my daughter said, we are lucky to be a family who all like one another. Not everyone has that.

This morning we are going out to breakfast at a place our grandson likes, and the afternoon will be spent doing laundry and packing, and resting for the thirty-plus hour trip home. The boys’ dad is planning a big welcome home party for New Year’s Eve. I hope the boys can stay awake for it.

Tomorrow morning we will take them to the airport, and when we come home, the house will have an emptiness that even Auggie and Eli can’t fill. I’m not quite sure how it will feel. But it will take me a few days to recover from the mad energy of boys.

And then will begin the slow un-Christmasing of the house, which, depending, can be either depressing, or a fresh new beginning.

I used to have a cleaning lady who took down the Christmas tree for me. Oh, how I miss her.

And now for your gratuitous dog photo.

24 thoughts on “Last day”

  1. Auggie and Eli were just what I needed this morning!

    Just said goodbye to my 11-year-old great-nephew who came home with us when we spent Christmas with my nephew and his wife. Although we get to see him often, as they live less than two hours from us, the house still feels empty when he leaves. Time to decompress from Christmas and look forward to the new year!

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  4. You will have such wonderful memories of the time spent with your eldest grandson, you’ll be secretly planning when the youngest can come share some time with you. I know it’s been a blessing having them all there for the holidays, but once everyone leaves, it’s always nice to get your home back again. Love the gratuitous dog photos every day. And the daily family updates. I’ll miss those, which have included the grandson.

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  5. I had the joy of teaching my oldest grandson at home one semester when the family was home from Asia. He needed some “catch up” credits that our public school could not provide. It was a priceless and precious time for the two of us and I missed him with my whole heart when he left. I would not trade that time for anything. I’m so glad that you had such a wonderful time, and wish you joy in this quiet season. And snow. I wish you snow.

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  9. You’ll feel the emptiness but fill that void with all the great memories that were made. As for the pups, a very gentlemany duo.

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  10. J.F., your boys will sense your “empty house” sadness and they’ll be there for you. After a couple of days, your routines take hold once again. All will be well.

    Thank you so much for sharing your family with us.

    Happy New Year to you all. Nancy

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  11. I love reading your daily messages. Looking forward to them in 2024, a Happy New Year to you and Charlie. And of course, the Germans!

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  13. Transitioning is sometimes a challenge. On one hand, it will be less boisterous, but on the other hand, some quiet time for yourselves. I imagine having your grandson there for the school year and the excitement of Christmas with two boys, will leave you all with many cherished memories. Thank you for sharing this special time with us. The pictures of Auggie and Eli always fill my heart with joy. I look forward to many more in the New Year. Enjoy some liquid refreshments tonight in front of the fireplace and relax. You’ve earned it.

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