The Shoe is on the Other Foot

This was taken a long time ago in kid years. Not so long ago in adult years. Pfffft. What's ten years when you're an adult?

But when you're a kid, ten years is forever.

Ten years ago, I was wanting to know where they were going, who they were going to be with (the rare times I wasn't chaperoning the trip) and giving them strict instructions on stranger danger and staying with the group. These kids got passed off like batons in a relay, between the Man and I, with one of us usually attending their various events.
But eventually they grew up, darn it.

They grew up and started going out with their friends, unchaperoned alone, and not wanting us to be around if there was the slightest, teensiest chance their friends might see us. We had no choice. We had to let them go. It was really hard the first few times. I didn't like it, not at all, not one little bit.
Gradually they got more freedom. More responsibility. And now? It's waaaaaay easier to let them go. Of course, they're not nine and six anymore. That makes a big difference. I'm pretty sure you can't let a nine year old drive a six year old to the mall or the movies, at least not yet.

Plus, the Man and I are off doing our own things now. We're very busy people, you know. And we do have a life. Sort of. I'm not waiting around for empty nest syndrome to happen. No sir, not me. I have things to do.
I found out that life has a way of turning around. I had the best message on my answering machine tonight when I got home from knitting.

"Uh, hi Mom and Dad. It's J....., uh, where are you guys? It'd be nice if someone answered the phone or let us know where you're going. I just dropped K. off at EMT class and she's gonna need a ride home, about 9:15-9:30 or so. You guys are gonna hafta go get her. Uh, maybe you could let me know...no, you need to call me when you get this message so I know she's got a ride home. Uh, okay, talk to you later. Bye."

He's worrying about K. I don't have to anymore.

Life is sweet.