This May my teenage son, Tony, complained about needing money during his summer break at UCF. My wife, Teresa, said, jokingly, "Hey, I'd pay you to take your brother away." Tony asked, in all seriousness, how much. And the Summer of Unexpected Delight began.
For a bit less than it usually cost us to board, feed, and amuse his 12-year-old brother, James, we offered to pay Tony to act as a one-boy summer camp. Provide a couch, Internet access, take him to the pool and to movies and generally keep him occupied. Arts and crafts were optional. Before either son could think this through we dumped James -- along with his computer, his TV, enough gaming consoles to launch a successful invasion of the eastern hemisphere, a handful of clothes, and a toothbrush -- at Tony's Orlando apartment and we drove off, laughing gaily and high-fiving each other.
We knew it couldn't last. We weren't entirely sure they wouldn't beat us home. Tony and James, seven years apart, have a healthy and spirited fratricidal relationship that would have fit right into any of your more common Greek tragedies. We fully anticipated seeing James back within a week, and then only if we changed the locks on the sixth day to slow him up. But hey, even a quiet afternoon would be a nice change of pace.
And then, the impossible happened. The boys didn't kill each other. Not even once.
Instead of waiting for crashing sounds, why not try GPS tracking collars? I hear they are cheaper if you buy them in bulk.
Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
I'd comment on your article, but at the moment I'm feeling WAY too jealous. Posted by Chris Bridges (Member # 1138) on :
If you were wondering why I haven't been around Hatrack much, this is why.
I did skip the part where we were going to remodel his room while he was away -- repaint, new carpet, new furniture, the works -- and didn't do anything until the very last week because a) it rained every single day here from mid-May til the beginning of July, and b) we didn't wanna. It made the last week somewhat... hectic.
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
Chris, that was AWESOME!!
I love your columns.
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
Awesome, indeed!
I lurv Wednesdays.
Posted by jexx (Member # 3450) on :
It sounds marvelous. I am so jealous. Near tears, really.
*sniffle*
The same amount of drinks in the fridge--really? I thought that was an urban legend. *is in awe*
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Oh man! This has got to be one of my favorites of yours, Chris!
*applause, applause*
You are truly making me look forward to those empty nest years that I will be facing very, very soon
(unfortunately, I won't have anyone to snuggle on the bed with -- but I can find other things to fill those hours)
Farmgirl
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I love wednesdays too.... Maybe you could write your next column as a semi sequel about the chaos that insued after the breif stint of bliss.
AJ
Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :
quote:at Tony's Orlando apartment
At first I read this as "Tony Orlando's apartment", and for a split second there I was really confused.
Uh, that is all.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Time without kids is great. Makes the time with kids so much more enjoyable.
Except for the uncomfortable chafing . . .
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Chris, this is one of your best yet. I laughed a LOT!
Posted by Sweet William (Member # 5212) on :
Not even once?
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
LOL
Posted by whiskysunrise (Member # 6819) on :
Sounds like a great idea to me. It's always nice to get a break from the kid(s).
Posted by Miriya (Member # 7822) on :
That sounds awesome! Can't wait til my kids are old enough for that. Great column.
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
lol
amazing. I love your column!
Posted by Sweet William (Member # 5212) on :
I think your column illustrates why I always have WAY more kids at scout camp than I do at regular old scout meetings.
"It'll be fun, Jimmy. Take the bug spray."
Posted by peterh (Member # 5208) on :
A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
Great article!
Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :
A better solution than shipping your kids off to summer camp all summer long!
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![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Makes the time with kids so much more enjoyable.