Meditation on Life with Cheez-Its

I’ve noticed a series of changes around the house now that both Andy and Eddie are away at college for the first time.

The dishwasher takes three days to fill up.

The kitchen counter, particularly around the sink, stays clutter-free.

The refrigerator is always less than half full. (And a six-pack of single-serving Mott’s applesauce, Eddie’s favorite snack, remains untouched.)

A box of Cheez-its lasts more than a day.

I no longer feel compelled to do laundry on a daily basis. (The t-shirt and towel count in the hampers has fallen off precipitously.)

The family room no longer serves as a video-game library, where all of the titles look to have been carelessly tossed in front of the TV table. (And an empty box of Cheez-Its is no longer found here in the morning on a regular basis.)

The hallway between the kitchen and the garage is no longer a minefield of shoes.

For all the “improvements”, though, it still takes some getting used to.

The overwhelming quiet, even with the TV or radio on.

Two of the bedroom doors closed until at least 10 o’clock every morning.

And the bedrooms themselves, now (mostly) devoid of any sign of the boys.

Nevertheless, I’m not yearning for a return to the past. The benefits of being empty-nesters definitely outweighs the drawbacks. For JoAnna and me, the boys, as much as we love and cherish them, have never been the glue in our relationship. Ironically, though, this new phase of our life together almost has me feeling like it’s 1986 all over again. Even without the yearning, I sometimes find myself there.

One happy family

Falmouth, Maine

August 14, 2009