It was a tough day really. Putting #2 son on the plane back to Aus' and feeling that empty space that he has keenly occupied for the last couple of weeks.
I consoled myself with immersion in house chores, some painting (of the outdoor siding variety), weeding of the garden and then took to the basement and sewed up a storm in the evening - a bunch of baby quilts and blankets for various friends who have become grandparents of late.
Scarry thought as it seems like a heart beat ago that I was sewing these blankets for my own baby boys (and theirs still survive in the linen closet to this day!!!) and here I am doing it for the next generation!
Anyway, it's cathartic, feels purposeful and to my mind is heaps better than any gift you can buy at at store, given that it's made with love....
You know, Marie, sometimes I wonder if I didn't have children really because I never had a maternal instinct, or if I didn't have em because I knew their leaving would do me in. After I found out about my coworker's child, who she worked so hard and spent so many hours raising up and loving, had passed away at 19, I just could not imagine how she can go on. It's amazing what human's deal with sometimes, isn't it?
I mean, if I don't know where my dog is, I get nervous.
(Okay, I realize that's an odd juxtaposition, but what can I say?)
But my real reason for coming over here was to ask you... really? Really? You SEW QUILTS, TOO?!
you're kind of making me mad.
Posted by: Chris | July 16, 2012 at 07:29 PM
I still haven't recovered from the feeling of loss since i visited my son in NY. The time was too short. I miss being able to meet some where and do something together. Now I hope he'll visit me for Christmas.
Posted by: Maery Rose | July 16, 2012 at 01:39 PM
Motherhood is not for sissies, and that's the truth.........
Sending you much sympathy.
Posted by: Vicki in Michigan | July 16, 2012 at 10:12 AM
Sweet blankets. I often find comfort in sewing: so full of texture, colors and accomplishments.
Posted by: Janne Thieme Huffman | July 16, 2012 at 09:32 AM
I can imagine how tough it was, for a mother... but feel in your heart that they are still there Marie, always and everywhere they go
Posted by: Chantal | July 16, 2012 at 12:55 AM
Oh, I know that empty feeling when your grown child comes home, and then leaves again. No matter how old they get to be, their presence is missed again. Your blankets are so sweet - keeping your hands busy with something you love always helps!
Posted by: Sherri B. | July 15, 2012 at 10:33 AM
I know how you feel.
Stay busy. The blankets are going to beautiful!
Hugs.
Posted by: Elena Nosyreva | July 15, 2012 at 10:30 AM
Sewing can be very soothing ~ specially the type you immersed yourself into for very good reasons. I know it must be difficult have part of your family on the other side of the world. I suffered when my daughter lived in Edinburgh, Scotland, and then in Manhattan for another 2 years while I was way out here on the west coast. Thank goodness for email, texting, Skype, etc :-)
No grand babies for me yet, and I'm happy with that ~ my son who graduated in May is moving back here in August and looking for a job to go with that degree ~ it's a nice feeling to get them close again.
hugs,
~K
Posted by: karen burns | July 15, 2012 at 09:31 AM
hugs! as you know being neither of my guys live nearby, nor the grandbabies, i well know that feeling of emptiness until adjusting back to a quieter life. so pleasurable to spend the physical time with them, especially now they adults and there the leisure to really enjoy the company of the men they have become. xoxo
Posted by: mary | July 15, 2012 at 09:27 AM
If time passes in a blink then next time you blink you'll be seeing one of those babies again! they miss you too, Mom! they just cant say so!
Posted by: lyle baxter | July 15, 2012 at 07:14 AM
Time passes in a blink it seems, I know you savoured every moment with your son. Can only imagine how difficult it is not to have your guys living close by.
Those blankets are going to be wonderful you choose such fun designs.
Posted by: Bren | July 15, 2012 at 06:37 AM
I love the patterns in the blankets! It's tough living away from our kids even if ours are grown! Each good bye is tough. I had to say good bye to my two last weekend. I am feeling for you!
Posted by: Leanne | July 15, 2012 at 03:10 AM