Two or three years ago, we were sitting in this same Yellow Cab, sharing pizza and pasta. I still remember you back then you are still young, still figuring things out, with your favorite pasta always being that aglio olio if I’m remembering the name right, mostly because of those sundried tomatoes you loved so much. I wish I could prepare a similar one but the sundried tomatoes are too expensive here esp now that the price of oil has gone to the moon. Funny enough, we checked the menu today and it’s no longer there. Some things quietly disappear over the years. I know you missed that kind of pasta
But here we are again, in the same place, ordering almost the same food… and realizing how much life has changed even the Yellow Cab menu hahaha
This time, you came home from Ireland for vacation. And sitting across from you today, I couldn’t help but notice how much you’ve grown not just in accomplishments, but in the way you carry yourself now. More mature, wiser, calmer, and simply a better person. I know the challenges you went through weren’t easy and some are unexpectedly worse, but I can see how they shaped you and made you stronger. I hope they continue to guide you and make you even stronger in the years ahead. I am truly happy for you and that you are my son.
As for me, I think fellow empty nesters will understand this feeling. The house feels different when your child is away for work, and somehow fuller again when they come home even just for a while. Having you back for this month has been something I’ve been quietly grateful for. I know the days will pass fast and you’ll be leaving again soon, so I’m taking my time and soaking in these little moments.
And to my Hive friends if you’ve noticed I haven’t been posting regularly lately or thought I quietly disappeared 😆 don’t worry, I’m still around. I’m just spending more time offline with my son while he’s here. SketchQuest is still in my heart, and yes… I know I still have a pending contest to judge hahaha. Thank you for being patient with me.
Places can stay the same. The pizza can taste familiar. Favorite dishes can disappear from the menu. But seeing your child come back a little older, a little wiser, and still sit across from you at the same table—that’s the kind of thing you realize you never really outgrow.
For now, I’m choosing family time ❤️
