Caleb got to spend a week last summer with Memaw and Pepaw all by himself. And Seth had waited ever so patiently since last July for his turn to go to Memaw and Pepaw's house unaccompanied. He finally got his chance last week! And boy, was he excited! Elated, is probably a better description.
In light of his recents bouts with a little separation anxiety, I really didn't think he would go. I was a little nervous myself, since in my mind, five has always been the magic age for certain big boy activities, like sleepovers, trips to Rupp Arena, and adventures to Kentucky without parents. But Seth had been talking about the trip pretty much non-stop since Memaw brought up the possibility during a visit in mid-May without a hint of anxiety or hesitation. So.....we decided to bend the magic five rule and send our "eager to be independent" four-year-old to Kentucky for three days in the loving care of Memaw and Papaw. And when it came time to climb into Meem and Peep's car and head out, he just jumped right in and didn't look back.
Such a big boy! Too big, actually. Isn't he suppose to still be that sweet little round faced angel, who needs his mommy and daddy every step of the way? No, not our independent four-year-old. Stubborn to the core, but just as equally sweet. He sets his little mind to what he wants to accomplish and then does it his way, "by myself."
He did have a rough first night away, but only when it came time for bed. Meem slept by his side and he got a little wimpery, wanting Momma around 1am. I would never want Seth to be sad, but there is a part of me that is delighted in knowing that my "big boy" still needs me and seeks me for comfort. That does a Momma's heart good, and it is a good reminder that ,on those days when his will to do everything by himself is super strong. he not quite as grown up as he may wish to be.
But he was in the good hands of Memaw, so I didn't let it tear at my heartstrings too much...well, for not too long, anyway. Memaw told me that while they were laying there trying to fall asleep, she heard Seth whispering to God. We have always told our boys that no matter where they are, in what situation, if they are scared or lonely, all they have to do is call on the name of Jesus and He will comfort and protect them. Hearing that Seth remembered that and knowing that he was seeking Christ's comfort does a Momma's heart even better.
The next day was filled with so much fun, I think he was too exhausted to miss anyone when night time came. By the third night, he was such a pro at being away, he went to sleep without any incident. When it actually came time to meet up and get our Seth back, he was not quite ready to come home. He made sure that we knew it, too. When we met at Cracker Barrel in Elizabethtown for the "exchange," there was no immediate running to each other with big fuzzy lovin's. Instead, Seth had a pout on his face, because coming back was not his idea. It was in stark contrast to our reunion with Caleb last summer after he had been away for a week. Caleb had immediately ran to me, nearly jumping out of the car before it stopped, and proceded to cling to me the entire night, giving me many kisses and hugs to make up for time lost. Not Seth. He hung back and I had to wait for my hugs and kisses for when he was ready. Which thankfully, didn't take too long. Seth, instead, did more clinging to his brother than to his Momma. But that is okay.
I still know he needs me. And I did eventually get back the majority of my time lost kisses and hugs.
We were so happy to have our Seth back and also glad that he got to have his own adventure.
One of the MANY phone call made to Kentucky that week. Caleb definitely missed his little brother...even more than I think he thought he would.
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