February 26,2015: I wrote earlier about the difference in boys and girls and their level of nurturing. I may have had it all wrong. Perhaps they just respond differently. Less frequent, perhaps, but with intense caring.
My message tonight was direct. “Still alive…cast 3.0 has been installed. Still on my wheelie cart. Can’t wait to take a real shower. Miss you.” He immediately called. Usually when I miss him, I host a family dinner, I told him. But right now I can’t.
“Well that doesn’t mean I can’t cook for you, mom. Let me look at my calendar.”
Huh?
The lessons I’ve learned from raising a boy are many, but two stood over for me that night. (1) Don’t wait for them to call you. You may be waiting a good long while. (2) Periodically send a text stating that you are alive. The phone will ring within three minutes.
Despite the struggles, I love this kiddo with every fiber of my being.