I may have posted this picture before or at least one like it a few weeks ago, but it is of the kids at Scotty’s graduation, and I am posting it because I really do miss having them all together with us.  I have about 10 of this same shot too, and not one of them has all three of them looking straight at me.  This one has Steph looking away, but I just sent her $50 on Thursday, so she will be the least mad at me for a bad picture.

But today I kept wondering when the next time would be to have them all in the same place, and I realized I cannot answer it.  It sent a big chill down my spine and made an already pretty hard day worse.  Don’t get me wrong, I understand that kids grow up and move away, but we all need to come to grips with the fact that this is something that is okay for YOUR kids, but I really do not think mine.  Sure, it is a double-standard, but I am comfortable with it.  I just want them all hanging around.

So tonight, as I sip my vodka tonic and have “movie night” with my wife (she was too sick last night and that’s something because we watch them at home), I will try and envision our next big gathering.  Of course envisioning grandkids will be helpful as well.  (I am sure the vodka tonic will help too)

But it is a both a blessing and a curse.  God has given us great kids and we love them…..but missing them is pretty dang hard.

Maybe I will get a call from them over the weekend (from the ones away) as I know their little brother follows me around like I am a truck and he is my trailer!  Good times!

Goodnight my friends and God Bless!

Tommy+