Dinner For Two
I have a standing dinner-date every Thursday with the same guy for the past five months.
Truthfully, I was the initiator. In fact, at first he resisted. I insisted. And although it started out a little shaky and often felt tentative right up until the last-minute, somehow, he always “showed-up“. In the beginning clearly, it was to appease me, more than likely out of a feeling of obligation. I understood. I gave him space. There was a lot of silence at the beginning too, not exactly awkward; more like “dead air”. I let him breathe and get used to the idea of spending time alone with me. I searched my brain for stimulating conversation and tried to bring up things I thought would interest him.
I have an amazing relationship with my daughter for which I am very grateful. My reluctant dinner-date — who also happens to be my 13-year old son — and I, have struggled quite a bit over the last two years. Living life on life’s terms and dealing with all that’s come with it, has taken its toll, created confusion, distortion and a disconnect between us.
Grappling with how to get him back, I tossed, turned and weighed many possible scenarios over and over in mind. I kept coming back to this weekly, dedicated time and space, this Dinner For Two.
At some point, you have to listen to your heart, trust your instincts and take a leap of faith. I had faith in him and me and the mothering and nurturing I’d done for the first eleven years of his life. And even though it was very difficult for the first few months, I never gave up.
Neither did he.
You can bore through hard things and get to the other side, as long as you don’t give up.
Patience and perseverance paid off. Time has healed.
It occurred to me this week, that now, it’s a given and there’s no doubt that we’ll have dinner on Thursday, just him and me. It’s become part of the schedule, part of the “routine” of our week.
It’s something I look forward too. It’s not however, something I take for granted — not for one second. I cherish and appreciate this time well spent; this time where I can just be my boy’s mom.
There are no more awkward moments of silence. Our discussions spread across a wide range of topics these days. I’ve learned a lot about various basketball, football and baseball players as of late. He asks me about my day and my interests. He’s forthcoming with the happenings at school.
It’s not perfect, nothing is but we’re connected again and I’m grateful.
“A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.” — Agatha Christie
Photo Credits #1 & #2: Google Images
Love it Karen! Great for making a special time for him and making him feel important, like he certainly is to you. …..I’m still taking notes here 🙂
LikeLike
You’re very sweet, Andy! Thank you. 🙂
LikeLike
can’t tell you how happy I am to read this post
LikeLike
Jen… 🙂
LikeLike
Karen, very smart thinking on your part, a brillant idea ,to share a special time with your son.
LikeLike
Thank you, mother. 🙂
LikeLike
Nice…
LikeLike
Thanks for reading, Mark!
LikeLike
when he is in college, he’ll come completely around and totally appreciate you!
LikeLike
Ha, Ha….Veronica. You think? 🙂
LikeLike
you are a good mom. xxoo
LikeLike
xoxoxxoxo ~ Thank you.
LikeLike
This post brings me nothing but yellow smilies! And, the final quote is complete truth. Love n hugs! XOXO-SWM
LikeLike
Thank you, Kasey!! 🙂 xoxoxo right back at ya!
LikeLike
I used to have breakfast with my dad every Sunday, then somewhere along the line during those awkward teenage years we stopped. I wish we hadn’t…… he will appreciate this later on in life!!!! You are a magnificent mom!!!!
LikeLike
I heart you, Nicole! Thank you. xoxo
LikeLike
Such a great idea – and so necessary too, no matter how much they protest.
LikeLike
Thank you, lady! I appreciate your reading & commenting!
LikeLike