Oh Brother!
This past Saturday, both of my sons went off to sleep-away camp. This year was different, as this was the first year both boys would be away. They will be away for 7 weeks. Yes, 7 weeks. Where I live, that is the norm. Outside of letters, 3 phone calls and about a 6 hour long visiting day, the kids are on their own to live, learn, grow and be kids sans parents.
For nearly a week leading up to the Saturday drop-off, I had an awful pit in my stomach. Of course some of it was nerves, but most of it was for the void that would be inserted in to my summer for the first time. It would be the first of many “extended times” apart from the boys. Next, it will be college! OMG!
In the day and a half that they have been away, I realized how long the days really are especially when the kids’ schedules aren’t dictating life. I must say it is kind of nice and I expect that I will have a very productive and relaxing summer. Sounds like a win/win to me, but I will totally miss them nonetheless.
On the way to the bus, my wife and I tried to impart our last words of wisdom on the boys which they have heard a million times before. It was the usual: be nice, be polite, be respectful, don’t pick on anyone, watch your language, be mindful of your hygiene, be a good sport, try new things and so on.
The irony of the whole thing was that my wife and I could barely get out the words as we were all choked up. The kids on the other hand were such champs and didn’t shed a single tear or show any signs of fear. Knowing that they had each other, whether they realized it or not, definitely made things easier and helped to create a sense of calm. Seeing how strong they both were made me very proud and demonstrated to me that my wife and I did something right.
I can totally relate to this too because my childhood wasn’t much different. In my early years when I attended summer camp, I always had my older brother with me which provided a lot of comfort. For my boys, this will be the start of what will become a life long brotherly support system which will hopefully mirror the relationship I have with my own brother. I can list tons of times in my life when my brother was there for me and we are still there for each other to this day. There is no doubt in my mind that this will be the true beginning of some serious brotherly love and bonding for my boys that will hopefully carry through to when and if they join us at Jaftex as the fifth generation. Until then…..
Proud Dad and Brother Scott
9 Comments
Pat Roaldsen
How generous you are to share so much with your readers! Handsome boys!
Scott Fortunoff
Thanks Pat! Glad you are enjoying.
Scott
Dean Mast
This is a great post! I grew up with two brothers. One is my twin. While many miles separate us as adults, there is something still so strong about a true brotherly bond. I’m so thankful for my brothers.
Scott Fortunoff
Thanks Dean. I had no idea you had a twin. How cool! Agreed….it is a very strong bond. I am thankful too.
Kara Benavides
I decided before they were born, that my children were given to me for a short time. They were never “Mine.” They are themselves, and they know it. It is still hard though. Just got off the phone for the third time today with daughter in California. I am ready to find a ticket and fly the 6 hours plus lay-overs out there. But she knows I can’t afford it and stated she was worried I would try to take her back home. Nope. She needs to be there. I need to be here. We both have a life to live. (But her brother has a set-up in the basement and I’m not letting him out.)
Scott Fortunoff
I like that theory Kara. Thanks for sharing!
Scott
Ruth Davis
This is a beautiful statement of good parenting through the generations. Save it for you boys. They will appreciate it later in life.
Sue Fenwick
From the moment they are born, they are stepping away from their parents. If we do it right, they become independent. Then, when they go, we want them back. Your boys are going to have a great time, and so are you. ?
Scott Fortunoff
Thanks Sue. I feel pretty good. It’s the anticipation.
Have a great week.