Like I say - Kid-free isn't all its cracked up to be...
Yep, I can vouch for that one too. I raised my son alone and so he and I were always very close to one another. So when he got accepted to go to college at Sheridan, it was tough. He moved to Oakville (where the college was located) and upon graduation 3 years later opted to stay. So he now lives and works in Toronto...over 400 km from home. I don't have a vehicle, and whenever I do decide to go visit him it's a huge hassle making arrangements for all the pets. He finds it difficult to come home for visits too, as he has no car and so far hasn't had the opportunity (no vacation time accumulated at work) to do so. I always knew that he would be moving away and not return, but that doesn't make it any easier. All I can say is, thank goodness for the Internet and telephone. At least we manage to keep in touch that way.
However, I do also remember all of our not-so-fun moments.
The constant battle over keeping his room from looking (and smelling) like a pig sty. Constantly picking up wet towels from the bathroom floor. One major argument we had over his wanting to go downtown - in an area known for it's drug dealing - alone, 11:30 at night, to visit a friend when he was 15 (you can guess who won
that). Heated discussions over video games. Dealing with a very emotional and depressed teenager when his dad wanted almost nothing to do with him. Trying to keep him motivated when his college applications kept getting turned down, and praying he wouldn't give up on himself.
Yep, sometimes there's nothing tougher than being a parent to a teen. But it's also the most rewarding one in the world too. And I kept telling myself that every time I found beard stubble all over the sink; dirty dishes left everywhere; toilet seat dripped upon (you'd think all those video games would teach them better aim); no hot water left for my shower in the morning, on those rare occasions where he was up before me; etc. etc. etc.
