Baby Come Back

Big eyes, a button nose and pouty lips:
What's a Daddy to do?

In the song he seeks the return of a lover. In my case it is the return of my youngest child. She left six years ago to attend the University of Arizona, and ended up staying in Tucson when she was able to find work in her chosen profession and her romance was blossoming. The latter came into full bloom enough to purchase a house together, but before it became a home the petals wilted, and they went their separate ways four months ago. Last night, Courtney returned to her Southern California home for the first time since the break up.

Now, I certainly don’t speak for all parents, but for this Daddy it was difficult when his baby left home. It was even more difficult when she decided to become an Arizonan after graduation. Still, I adjusted. The seven-hour trip through the desert several times a year seemed quite doable.

Courtney shows off her dimple at graduation.

Then, there’s the matter of doors. Empty nesters rarely worry about doors. I mean I still close the bathroom door when I’m using the toilet, but if I’m making a quick change in the bedroom I don’t feel compelled to close the door on the off chance Debbie might get a glimpse of my briefs. Or, the front or back door remain open while the AC or heat are running, but we don’t feel obligated to close them just because when the kids were around we insisted they conserve energy (i.e. “What’s the matter with you? Were you born in a barn?”)

Speaking of barns, the three of us are going to the fair on Friday. I’m sure they have fairs in Arizona, but I’m pretty sure the sights, sounds and smells of the extravaganza in Costa Mesa will delight our visitor.

Look out Orange County, the two sisters are back together.

Tonight, big sister Heather (see last week’s blog) and boyfriend are coming over for dinner. Deb has already prepared the spinach pie and chocolate cake. If things get too slow we also have recently converted VHS tapes of the girls’ first years to DVD.

The rest of the itinerary for the next few days is pretty loose. In all likelihood the two sisters will find some raucous adventure to amuse themselves while Heather’s beau is gallivanting in Vegas over the weekend.  Perhaps we raised them to be too conscientious, because Courtney is driving back on Sunday, so she can be at work early Monday, and I wouldn’t be surprised to find Heather working on some cases at home, so she can have a jump on her billings for the week.

At any rate, being retired empty nesters does have its advantages.