Middle Age Spread

I looked around today and realized (once again) that I am in the midst of a middle age spread. If it were simply a middle age spread of my middle (and it is that), I would know what to do in order to get it under control (but knowing is different from doing). However, this middle age spread has to do with the movement of my family away from the home base. This occurred before, but after a summer of having my favorite people living in our house and even with the heightened feelings that such close living created, /i am feeling the spread again. My oldest has gone to graduate school and with that move, I have lost the ability to look her in the eye, to give her a hug and to simply see her in person. I can't wait until we have the computer video up and running. My middle child has started college and our communication will be more limited as he continues to establish his independence while hopefully laying the foundation for his true independence. I will miss his shadow moving through the house, the knowledge that he is in his room even if it is behind a locked door, and the smile that we sometimes catch on his beautiful face. But, my middle age spread is not limited to the children who have physically left our home, it also can be seen in my youngest as he continues to establish himself as a moving toward independence young adult. Luckily, we have two more years to enjoy his company up close and personal, appreciate his growth in all areas of his life, and hopefully help to guide his growth so that he too will be able to contribute to my middle age spread.

Thought of the Day: If our loved ones move away from us, which is the way of modern day life and I think necessary for everyone's growth, then we (in this case I) are obligated to exercise in order to turn this departure (creating a middle age spread) into muscle. One of the challenges in doing this form of exercise (creating an even stronger and fuller relationship with my wife, finding activities that are creative, giving and fulfilling, and getting in better physical condition) is that it takes time and that time is taken away from enjoying the children while they are around. Balance balance balance.


Taking time takes time away from time for other things
Bringing love brings love to the loved to which we cling
Leaving home leaves home behind but home never leaves our heart
Moving on is a move on to a new adventure and a new start.