Sleep-Away Camp Awakens Mom

Day 5 of Nick’s 14 days at overnight summer camp. I miss my 12-year old terribly. The other parents were so excited when we waved good-bye to the busload of campers. Not me. I’m lethargic and can’t find my zest. I rummage around different stores looking for interesting cards to send him. I hit the jackpot when I find one with a cover from a Rumplestiltskin picture book. Nick’s favorite childhood story. I want to find enough energy to get some things done around the house while he’s gone. Can’t I at least be productive? The house is too quiet. I’m sad.

Day 6 is when the first card from Nick arrives. Thank goodness I have a boy who likes to write. The first line….I am so happy! The second line…..I am having so much fun and meeting so many new kids! I can feel his joy and it lifts me.

My husband and I decide we want to see no one but each other on Days 7 and 8, the one weekend alone we’ll have. We turn down three invites for Fourth of July barbecues and take the dog to Point Reyes. We laugh and laugh at the dog’s pleasure with rolling and running in the sand. On Sunday, we don’t leave the house.

Two cards from Nick arrive on Day 10. I read the cards over and over and take them to work and back home with me. I love the thoughts that appear disconnected but somehow connect for him. “There’s this new bandana swing thing like in Cirque de Soleil. It’s really super fun and I did it twice yesterday. Did you know that 5% of people are doublejointed? Snails can live 3 years. If I get good enough on the bandana curtain thing, maybe I can be in the show.”

On Day 11 my husband tells me he misses Nick but loves having all of my attention. He still misses the way we were before having a kid. We’ve given up on doing any home projects. We work during the day and romance the evenings. We eat at too many expensive restaurants, drink too much red wine and stay up too late. On Day 12 he tells me he can’t imagine anyone being as good a wife to him as I am. I just say thank you. I’m not going to automatically compliment him back. I want to soak in his words for awhile.

Day 14 I’m up at 6 a.m. I feel like I want to jump out of my skin. I need Nick home. The bus won’t arrive until noon. His Dad and I will be there waiting. We’ve all changed, turning straw into gold. Nick moving independently towards his future. My husband and I moving back towards each other, relieved to find we’re both still here, and ready to move forward together.

By Marianne Lonsdale