Who could have foreseen that my stepson and his wife would be trying to move all their household belongings across the state on Christmas Eve? Tentative plans have changed so much that I was dizzy trying to keep up.
If it weren’t for the fact that my daughter-in-law starts her new job on Tuesday, things wouldn’t be so rushed. After weeks of searching for a place to live, it was just yesterday that they found out they were approved for the house they wanted to rent.
They had been staying with us the last few days while they continued viewing houses and apartments. Yesterday afternoon, they signed the lease agreement and drove back to their apartment in Houston to finish packing.
It’s no secret to anyone who has raised kids, that kids just do not take the advice of their parents. Between my husband and I, we have moved countless times; sometimes with children in tow. Planning ahead, being prepared, and working together is a must.
Unfortunately, it takes some people longer than others to learn important lessons like these. And adult children can make their parents crazier than anyone else on the planet.
As parents, we run through a mixture of worry, sympathy, frustration, and all the other emotions one can have. Like relief that they have a place to live, pride that they are starting their new life as professionals in the medical field, and joy that they can enjoy their new home over Christmas.
As I sit here writing this, they are in Houston still loading the rental trailer. They are very much behind schedule, and have realized that they underestimated how big of a trailer they would need. It has already been a long day, and they still have the 4 hour drive ahead of them.
Moving on Christmas Eve was not what anyone envisioned would happen, but you do what you need to do if you are going to get anywhere in life.
I’m not going to lie, today has been an emotional rollercoaster ride. We will be meeting them at their new house to help them unload; the exact time is still unknown. I have managed to stay busy to occupy my mind, but at the same time, I have been trying to encourage everyone that everything will work out.
I reached the point last night to where I cannot stress anymore. My role is simply a supporting one. There is no doubt that we are all being similarly impacted, so in order for me to be of any use, I am simply going to have to roll with the punches.
We are taking food over to their house later, and a few Christmas decorations to help them feel a little more at home. It doesn’t look like we will be seeing them tomorrow, since they are planning to drive back to Houston to get the rest of their things in the morning.
It’s a parent’s agony when their kids have to learn things the hard way. It’s a byproduct of the intense love that we have for them. We sigh and shake our heads, and know that one day their own kids will do the same things to them.
The Christmas fish fry is still on, with all the trimmings. A snack tray of goat cheese and crackers, fruit, and oatmeal raisin cookies will still be put out. My daughter will be celebrating Christmas with us, and her birthday on the very next day. It has been too long since I have hugged that girl!
I have no expectations for my stepson and his wife; plans change too rapidly with them. I hope we can all be together, but I realize that that just may not be possible. For my husband and I, the day on the calendar is not what is important; it is the time that we spend together.
When you have a large extended family, it can be very difficult to please everyone. I don’t care what day it is that I get to see them, only that I do get to see them. This year, the important part is that they get settled before my daughter-in-law starts work.
Whatever you are doing this holiday season, I hope you are doing it with the ones you love. Merry Christmas!
1 John 4:9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.
Luke 2:9-12 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior–yes, the Messiah, the Lord–has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
