I have noticed an unusual phenomena with my almost 20 year old son. He is living at our vacation home in Paradise, Northern Vermont and is working and attending Community College there.
He is making strides towards starting his life as an independent adult.
He manages the house, juggles his work schedule.
He has made a nice connection of friends.
He has established little routines in his new community, like breakfast at the nearby eatery with the news paper and local folks.
He (I am embarassed to say) is a much better housekeeper than I am when it comes to keeping the house clean, the kitchen sink empty and the counters cleared off.
He does well and I am proud of him.
So here's the conundrum: Why is it that I can not see him or hear from him for one or two or sometimes three weeks and be confident that he is OK and relaxed about what he does, who he is with and where he goes...Yet when I physically drive to Vermont and see him, I suddenly become an overprotective- nagging-worry-wort MOTHER ?????????
WHAT IN THE HELL HAPPENS TO ME???????????????????????????????
Some of my more brilliant conversation starters sound something like this.
"Wear your helmet"
"Be careful"
"Drive slow, it is raining/snowing/sunny/cloudy/clear blue skies..."
"Did you pack a snack and beverage for the car ride?"
"Do you have enough gas money?"
"Is your cell phone charged???"
"Is that a damp towel you left on your bed?"
He sighs and patiently answers my questions. I've apologized to him about this and told him it is just the Mommy Worry Gene kicking in - and that I physically can't help it sometimes.
He says he understands and that it is OK. I believe him. He hugs me tight and kisses the top of my head.
I love that man.
OMG - me too - I'm constantly telling my kids the obvious - use your turn signals, drive the speed limit, text me to let me know you're ok when you arrive at your destination, etc. They are 19 and 20 so I'm thinking that we have no hope in turning off the "over-protective mommy brain".
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