Saturday, September 12, 2009

Empty nest


Well, Liat informed us she had a Shabbat Ulpana (when the entire grade goes away for the weekend) and Tali told us she had a Shabbat Bnei Akiva (youth movement weekend). When Orli heard this, she said, "Whoa, I think I'll sleep at a friend's house, if you don't mind."

I didn't.

So, yes, Isaac and I had a weekend sans kids. All snickering aside, it wasn't as fun as I thought it was going to be.

Don't get me wrong, it was very relaxing. VERY.

But last night, as Shabbat was about to start, Isaac wished me a Shabbat Shalom, and left for synagogue. I went to light the candles, and the house was silent. I have to admit I had a moment there. A moment of panic. A glimpse into the future. A subdued home. And I didn't like it.

On several other rare occasions we've been alone, without the children. The stars align and they are all away for Shabbat. But with Liat turning sixteen soon, I sometimes feel like I'm hurtling into the future. When those stars align and all are away, I like it alot less than I used to.

Still, Isaac and I both had a good laugh when we sat down to eat. Because I shouted, "YOUR TURN TO DO THE DISHES!!! CALLED IT!!!!" And he immediately responded, "YOU CAN'T CALL THAT!!! I DID THEM LAST WEEK! IT'S YOUR TURN!!"

Glimpsing the future aside, it really was a nice weekend. After all, we have to live in the present, don't we?

Shavua Tov, a good week to all.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

we almost had a similar shabbos since jared and evan were also both away,except jonny stayed home and loved every minute of being an only child.
nw

Karen said...

so don't leave us in suspense... who did the dishes?

Leora said...

Funny - we had empty nest at lunch, sort of. My father was with us (with my husband and myself). I realized if he didn't live two blocks away and if he wasn't so dependent on me for Shabbat company, my husband and I might have had a nice, romantic meal to ourselves. Kibud av, what can I say.

I got a little lonely in the afternoon, when EVERYONE was gone. But I did finish two books today. Can't remember the last time I did that.

Gila Rose said...

do they have shabbat ulpana or shabbat bnei akiva for the trom trom/kitah aleph set? hmmm......

Commenter Abbi said...

Well, it's the future yes and no. Soon after they all start uni, it will probably be time for weddings, b'eh and then, before you know it, your daughters will be flocking home, demanding help with their littles.

So, enjoy the quiet while you can!

Anonymous said...

Abbi, I think you've hit the nail on the head here!

Anonymous said...

when my 3 oldest where away at camp and the youngest slept at a friend for shabbat, i told Gordon that when all the kids are out of the house we will have to take in some foster children. As much as I hate the yelling bickering and general noise, i can't stand the quiet.
sz

Commenter Abbi said...

tesyaa- I take the long view! :D