Kids in my White Canvas!

I got married very young, apparently way before my brain was fully formed. As a result, I became a young mother… and following suit, a young grandmother. As an only child, I wished for a houseful of sisters and brothers, sure that I was missing out. Because of this, and the fact Gary is such a people person, we’ve had an open house for kids. Grand kids, other peoples kids, foster kids, basically anyone younger than us has been welcomed in our home. At last count we’re a total of 60!

We’re down to just one now, and she’s looking toward high school graduation in just over a year, then it’s off to college for her… and our Canvas will be ready for a new picture.

I travel a lot, most of the time I’m gone for days. What will it be like to come home to find the house just as I left it? To open the washing machine and not find it full of half dried moldy clothes, or a wrinkled mass of laundry left in the dryer? The bedrooms will be clean, the bathrooms free of makeup, hair ties, and used towels. Trash cans empty, dishes washed and put away, and the kitchen counters free of crumbs and sticky substances. Food in the frig, available parking spots and a few extra dollars each month.

It feels too quiet, serene, and maybe a little scary. But starting a new chapter usually is. I guess that’s why Gary is complying adventures for us, project for to do, and places to check out. I have to remember there is life beyond a houseful of kids. Plus, as a big bonus, we have lot’s of people to visit and cool places to stay. Many of our “kids” are now in their 30’s and 40’s” and live in some pretty cool spots.

Ah, yes, I see lots of paybacks on the horizon. Insert smiley face here. 🙂