Home Alone

For the first time since November 2000, I am home alone. Literally. All three of my children are away at overnight camp for two weeks and my husband has taken advantage of the opportunity to go off to the golf course as much as possible. And I must confess, I like it!
Admittedly, passing by their eerily quiet bedrooms in the evening makes me wistfully think about tucking them in. I have also been to the post office pretty much every day since they left, sending them mail and care packages. When I wake up at my usual earlier-than-most hour, the first thought that comes to mind is of my youngest (only 7, after all), sleeping in a bunk somewhere in Algonquin Park where I have never been myself, and all I can think of is that I hope she is not awake thinking about me, because that would mean she is homesick.

But, at the same time, a great calm has come over me. No drop off, no pick up, no soccer practice, no playdates to schedule, no messes to clean up, no yelling, no fighting, no nails to clip, no lunches to pack…I spent some time this weekend organizing some post-school, year-end messes and now I am free as the wind to go to movies (done!), out for dinner (done!), go to yoga class (done!), take a ride on a hot air balloon (next weekend!), watch what Will and Kate are up to (doing!), work (doing!) and read a book (doing!).

A change is as good as a rest sometimes, but I better not get used to this life as it’s only for two weeks.

How are you coping with your kids being away at camp?