How could I have been so wrong?
I thought I would be fine being an empty-nester, to see the kids off on their next adventure, to have the remote control all to myself.
I was wrong.
With one out of the house already, I lost a second last year when my oldest daughter went away to university.
Initially, I was excited for her to have that experience, but as time went on dear old dad missed his one of his little girls.
Not surprising, I was pleased as punch when she decided to stay home and go to university this year.
For whatever reason it is comforting knowing they are home.
True, she is moody, she comes and goes as she pleases, if I ask what is up she alleges harassment and her room looks like a laundry hamper exploded and a dishwasher threw up on the floor.
Regardless, I love having both my girls at home.
Why wouldn’t they love it too?
They live rent free, there is a refrigerator and pantry full of food, they have access to laundry facilities, bathroom and cable TV.
Really, it is the best life one can ask for and in hindsight I should have taken advantage of my parents for much longer then I did.
So you can understand my shock when the oldest, fresh off finishing her university finals, informed me she wanted to move out — at least for the summer.
Apparently, her mother and I are demanding, suffocating and stifling the growth of this newly minted 20-year-old.
With a quizzical look on my face I had to question her state-of-mind.
When she has to save money for school she would rather pay rent somewhere else instead of living for free with her mom and dad?
Our own daughter would rather pay money to live with friends somewhere else?
Are we that hideous? Do I have leprosy? Grotesque body odour? Boils leaking puss? You would tell me if I did right?
I guess I should not be surprised they want their freedom, but is it so bad wanting to hang on to your children a little while longer? I best be careful, that could be construed as being smothering.
