Aside from the hassles of work, I should not fail to record some tender family times. Family life has been a delight lately and I want to savour these important times.
Our daughters
Rachel and I have two grown-up daughters, both growing into lovely young ladies. Yes I know, I am seriously biased here! Our eldest, Becky, has just completed the second year of her maths degree at Exeter University. She is engaged to David (who has just graduated from the same course) and they are looking to settle down in Exeter when they marry next summer.
Hannah is currently working in North Wales as a sailing instructor, somewhat in contrast to Becky’s academic leanings. She has had the misfortune to fracture a bone in her right hand leading to her being either on sick leave or light duties. Happily her hospital appointment yesterday declared her fit for work. This means she is able to drive, sail and generally get back to normal; we’re thankful for this. And yet having her home for a little bit while she recovered, has been good. Good for us and definitely good for her; a chance to simply stop and reflect – such a valuable thing to do.
Over this last week we’ve all been together and with David some of the time. Last weekend my mother came to spend a few days with us which was another precious time, so it has been a full house. I loved every minute and have been reminded of the fun the girls have had growing up here. They both used to enjoy putting up a tent in the garden and having fun sleeping outside on some of the balmy summer evenings. This time Becky decided she was going to have a go at sleeping in the bag garden, in our newly acquired hammock. That was good fun for her and brings back memories of the innocent, playful times they used to have in their summer holidays.
Sometimes I need to almost pinch myself at these blessings; I am truly thankful. I always dreamt of busy family life with the hallway littered with shoes, tops, bags and so on. This is what we have, while they are around and at home.
By contrast this weekend is just Rachel and myself at home. Our relationship changes when we’re here at home together. I don’t mean that in a negative way at all, far from it. Instead we have more time to please each other, to move at our pace, to chat about our things. Less of the Dad-taxi driving. I’m sure before long I will really miss this.
Not downhearted
It would be easy to be down-hearted about our girls gradually leaving home completely. Moreover it is them becoming more independent, being responsible for themselves, budgeting their money and being less reliant on Rachel and myself. It is what we have brought them up for. They both have a Christian faith, at different stages of maturity with each; for this especially, we are truly blessed.
Related: Dealing with an empty nest