A Reflective Recap

Yesterday, Hans, Craigley and I dropped off ASid for a second time at his residence. This time wasn’t as emotional as the last time. I guess it gets a little less painful with subsequent drop-offs!

It was wonderful to have ASid with us for 2 weeks. Technically, he was not with us the entire time; he was out connecting with what seemed like 2.2 million friends he hadn’t seen in ages. I was glad to have him physically present at home for whatever few minutes he could spare for us. So, it was pleasant to have the boy announce yesterday that he felt pampered for the last 2 weeks and that he was well rested to tackle the next semester!

We also met ASid’s girlfriend twice over the break. The first time was on Christmas Day and the second time was on New Year’s Eve. Both the kids initially connected through their mutual love for Mathematics and seem to influence each other in a positive way. The girl is 20 months older than ASid and is an International student who has been in Canada for less than 4 months. She is from a completely different ethnic and religious background than that of Craigley’s or mine. However, none of that matters. I am simply glad that ASid met someone who makes him happy.

On a side note, I did feel really old over the holidays. There were visitors galore at all times of the day and people were up at all times of the night. There were unending dirty dishes and more garbage than ever before. Laundry seemed to pile up mysteriously. Everything was everywhere. I have more salt than pepper on my head after 2 weeks of keeping up with everyone and everything!

I must have aged. On Thursday, January 2^nd, I was at Shopper's Drugmart with Hans buying some batteries for a Nerf monstrosity he bought with his Christmas money. When we got to the counter to pay, the cashier gave us a seniors’ discount. I wondered out loud if they were giving the discount to everyone. The cashier responded with something like “aren’t you part of our 55+ club?” Then she realized that I was not and covered it up quickly with “it is all that grey!”

As we walked out, I remarked to Hans that she made me 10 years older than my age. Hans quietly responded that we must enjoy the seniors’ discount we got on the overpriced batteries!

I guess that’s the lead I need to follow this year. Look at the positive in all situations as much as possible!