I think, more than even New Year’s, September triggers thoughts of new beginnings for me. The events leading up to it are, for me at least, milestones. My birthday comes at the end of August so there’s the main arbiter. The last two times we bought new houses and moved were at this time of year. But it’s also back to school, and in our house, for the last few years, back to school has meant major changes.
Marina left home in September at the age of 18. Matthew followed suit at 19, and Vincent as well. And now, it’s Anthony’s turn.
Going off to face a new world. Undaunted by the enormity of it, he’s excited at the prospect. “Wonder who my room mate will be?” he asks. “Wonder if I should get a mini-fridge?” All the while, I watch him and wonder, “What will I do without you to make me laugh?”
He’s my baby, certainly. But he’s so much more as well. While his sister is the “mother” in our family, she takes care of EVERYONE, and does it so well; and Matthew is the adventurer, traveling to places most of us only dream about; Vincent is the tester, testing the limits of his knowledge and capabilities, and expanding them daily; Anthony is my balance.
Since I was told to lose weight and change my eating habits, he polices my meals like a hawk. Not just to curb how much I eat, though he does that too. But to make sure I DO eat, because he knows I often skip meals. Since I had my brief stint in hospital with irregular heart beats, he watches my stress levels like a hawk too now. He tells me off when I’m “over doing” it. Greets me at the door when I come in from a late night at work (more and more of those of late) with “Where have you been, missy? And you better NOT say you were at work!”
We argue incessantly about everything. We’re Italian after all and arguing is how you show love. Our voices are constantly raised in “discussions” that never really end. But with all of that, he makes me laugh. He can make me smile no matter how low I’m feeling. And he never hesitates with a hug, a smooch, an “I love you, momma!” which make all the rest of it worth while.
So yes, we’re onto another new beginning. As Anthony turns the corner from my baby, to a grown man in his own right, he faces a new beginning of constant adventure and excitement.
And leaves behind him a momma with a bit of emptiness.
It’s not all bad though. I get my car back!!! Regain the basement!!! But more importantly, I have the knowledge that I have been blessed with some of the best friends in the world, my children.
So, good luck Anthony, on your new adventures, and remember that momma loves you!!!
“chase your dreams, but always know the road that will lead you home again . . .” Tim McGrawTTFN