Fayette-Mom: Big kids, bigger problems

Last week was a frantic blur of get-everything-done-before-school-gets-out-for-summer.

Doctor appointments, shopping for birthday presents, enjoying the quiet of the house — I was busy, let me tell you. And honestly, with all the bad news last week about area students, it was nice to be distracted. Like everyone else, I’m sure, it was difficult not to think about those teenagers who lost their lives, way too young, on the cusp of so much potential. And their poor parents — I could barely stand to think about what they were going through.

On my last day of freedom, right before preschool pick-up, I was hurrying through the grocery store when I happened upon a church friend I hadn’t seen in a while. She asked me about my little ones, and I explained I was about to embark on a full summer with them, trying to keep them entertained. I asked about her two sons, remembering that one was in college and the other was about 16. She shook her head slowly, wistfully. “Let me tell you,” she said. “Enjoy yours why they are small. Little kids have little problems. And big kids….” her voice trailed off, and I knew exactly what she was getting at.

Yes, it can be frustrating when your kids need you so much, for seemingly every little thing. Sometimes it’s hard to breathe. You can feel so suffocated by their dependence on you. But gosh, filling up water bottles and fetching Goldfish crackers? I can certainly handle that.

Come to think of it, I’ll take it as long as I can.