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Growing Up
I just got back from the post office. Mailed a box of Christmas presents to my son Erik and his wife Sarah in Cohoes (next door to Albany). Yes, two days late, but when you buy unique Christmas gifts on eBay you have to expect that some will arrive late.
But it occured to me on the way home that this would be the first Christmas that I wouldn't be there to watch Erik open his gifts from me. Oh, sure, he's 27 and has a life of his own. But he had always been in the North Country and we could get together either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to open gifts. Not this year ... his work schedule kept him in Cohoes. My drive home from the post office brought memories of Erik being four years old, and shouting, "Just what I only wanted" when he opened each Christmas present from Mom and Dad. And memories of him being twelve and breaking into a huge grin when he opened the box that held a Mets jacket autographed by Gregg Jefferies, his favorite baseball player.
This year when he opens the presents from Dad only his wife Sarah will be there ... no Dad to enjoy the smiles and exclamations with the opening of each gift. I guess it's just a step for me in the growing up process ... time to let go of my little boy ... and time for me to take another step in becoming an adult ... what's next? Becoming a grandfather? Perhaps someday I'll get there ... be an adult, I mean ... I hope I make it!
Comments
Foxy,
This is the first time I've visited your blog and I'm disappointed you haven't talked about all the good times we've had videotaping basketball games, football games, and "Fox on the Runs". I like what you've written about everything and the whole thing about not being able to watch Erik open his gifts is sad. I'm only 17 and it scares me that one day my parents won't be there to watch me open my Christmas gifts. We get old fast, eh? Get back at me!
!~*Sheena*~!
(Foxy's note: Sheena is one of my videographers at North Country Cable Network, and a student/athlete at Beekmantown Central ... and a friend.)
Posted by: Sheena | January 11, 2006 10:17 AM
For the first time in 8 years, my daughter did not have her grandfather with her as she opened up Christmas gifts. He died in July and our family has been awash in grief since. And while this Christmas has been hard, It's also been an awakening. We've had time to reflect on all that we do have. We have each other. We have those memories of my father waiting in the driveway (very early in the a.m.) for his 5 year old granddaughter to wake up on Christmas morning. I can still see the smiles on both of their faces as they discovered what Santa had left. We've also had time to realize that cherishing each day and every moment is so important because you never know when it could all end.
Posted by: Chris | December 28, 2005 3:37 PM
You made me cry, dad. Don't worry--at 27, I have a long way to go to be as good an adult as you. I guess I'm still your little boy after all.
(Foxy's note: Didn't mean to make you cry, Erik. Guess we both might just be old softies when it comes to nostalgia and pleasant memories. Hope you enjoy the Christmas gifts! Love, FoxDad)
Posted by: Erik | December 28, 2005 10:32 AM
Oh, how true. Even though they are 27, it doesn't get easier. Enjoyed the nickname blog too. I think a book would be great with the stories of how the nicknames came to be.
Posted by: Lorna | December 27, 2005 7:29 PM
Foxy!!!! :)
Speaking of remembering, I remember learning to teach as you so graciously allowed me the opportunity to instruct your students at the Middle School. You look wonderful. Happy holidays to you and yours!
Remembering "the Fox" fondly,
Eileen Curtis
Posted by: Eileen Curtis | December 27, 2005 5:22 PM