Flashbacks From the Empty (or Nearly Empty) Nest

Does this sound familiar?

I have my whole day planned out, part of which involves plowing through a very important part of the current project I'm working on for a client.  There is a deadline.  There is a lot to do.  Suddenly, my youngest wakes up, walks into the room and stares at me, clutching at her throat.

Me: I guess you're not feeling any better.

She: (Silently shakes her head, "No." The clutching at the throat is a nice touch.)

Me: I guess you need to go to the doctor.

She: (Nods her head, "Yes." Still clutching her throat.)

I am tempted to mention all the times this past week I told her to go to bed early. Not to go out.  Including yesterday, when I ordered her (btw, 20 year old children are resistant to taking orders, especially my 20 year old children) to remain in bed. I'm tempted to pull at my hair, look toward the heavens and wail, "When will this end????"

But, I don't. That wouldn't be motherly.  Or would it?  

Instead I wait for the old internal response... how will I get this done?  how long will we sit at the doctor's office? who do I have to call?  What can be rescheduled.  

The old response sticks its head out of my subconscious but "thwack!"  Reality sinks in.

I have a digital modem.  I can take it anywhere.  I can work while we wait. 

"Go get dressed. I'll call the doctor's office."

I can do this. 

Comments

[Monkling]

Do we share the same 20 yr. old daughter? You described Theresa right down to the throat clutching.