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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Toph on September 18, 2008, at 18:46:55
I've posted so many personal crises here that I think I forgot that you can also talk about good things. So tonight I get a call from Sarah - some of you have heard about Sarah - she is my 24-year old who got the first grade teaching job of her dreams last year only to have it shattered when they didn't retain her. She worked really hard and did well with some tough kids, and I worried that she would become so discouraged like her dad gets when life knocks him on his @ss. But she picked herself up and was offered a second grade job this fall. As far as I can tell all is going well. So back to the phone call of a few minutes ago. Sarah has that kind of giddy girlish voice, so I know something good has happened. She says, "Dad I can't feed the dogs anymore." Well, this isn't good news. "Why not," I ask. She replies with a big grin I can't see though I know is there, "Cause I have a new apartment."
That's the last one, the third kid to fly the coop. It's so great for Sarah. All three have jobs and live on their own and have pretty healthy relationships. So for the most part our work is done. I have the feeling that tonight at dinner after Jill and I will be all self-congratulatory and relieved that we have arrived at this milestone in our relationship, we will give a long look at each other and hear the loud silence and one of us will say to the other, "What the hell do we do now?"
Posted by llurpsienoodle on September 18, 2008, at 19:38:48
In reply to Rite of Passage, posted by Toph on September 18, 2008, at 18:46:55
Toph,
You write with such warmth and caring and love for your family, I am really touched. Thank you for sharing this with us, it's really special and I think you and your wife have done a fantastic job raising and supporting your children's dreams.I hope your dogs don't starve to death ;)
Will she let you help her move in and get settled?
hugs for your family,
-Ll
Posted by Kath on September 18, 2008, at 20:13:51
In reply to Rite of Passage, posted by Toph on September 18, 2008, at 18:46:55
Hi Toph,
I'm so glad for you that your kids are doing well. You & your wife can now take a deep breath, relax & find the answer to what you want to do now! :-)
Boy, would I like to be in your position. I am really glad for you. I must also admit, that I sometimes feel really envious of people whose kids aren't 'messed up'. I would love to be in that situation.
Kath
Posted by 10derHeart on September 18, 2008, at 20:34:53
In reply to Rite of Passage, posted by Toph on September 18, 2008, at 18:46:55
Posted by TexasChic on September 18, 2008, at 21:25:29
In reply to Rite of Passage, posted by Toph on September 18, 2008, at 18:46:55
Congrats! It sounds like you're doing a great job! Be proud and enjoy the silence.
-T
Posted by Bobby on September 18, 2008, at 22:22:14
In reply to Rite of Passage, posted by Toph on September 18, 2008, at 18:46:55
Thanks. I really enjoyed reading your words more than once---they were comforting--knowing that my kids have a chance too.
Posted by Dinah on September 19, 2008, at 0:01:50
In reply to Rite of Passage, posted by Toph on September 18, 2008, at 18:46:55
Congratulations, Toph. Job well done. :)
But as for what the h*ll to do now...
Well, it might be one of those moments to bring a bottle of wine, a loaf of bread, and enjoy falling in love all over again as a couple without kids.
Sigh. Although dogs can be just as demanding if they haven't been fed.
Posted by Phillipa on September 19, 2008, at 0:21:42
In reply to Re: Rite of Passage » Toph, posted by Dinah on September 19, 2008, at 0:01:50
Go to Switzerland. I recall a long time ago a post about skiing or think I do. Phillipa congrats
Posted by Toph on September 19, 2008, at 11:13:14
In reply to Re: Rite of Passage » Toph, posted by llurpsienoodle on September 18, 2008, at 19:38:48
Thanks everyone, it was kind of a spontaneous post. I do feel fortunate that my kids are doing fairly well considering my illness and all. They have their challenges and I was not a perfect parent by any means. Much of the credit has to go to my wife. Yes, we do get second chances and I was so lucky to find someone who can live with me. She's already talking about moving and down sizing. In a few years I may retire before social work completely burns me out. I could work at Home Depot or something with a decent pension. We love to travel. And maybe things will pick up in the romeance department (Don't you just love it when Dinah talks dirty?). Anyway, you guys say the nicest things...
Posted by fayeroe on September 19, 2008, at 16:56:49
In reply to Rite of Passage, posted by Toph on September 18, 2008, at 18:46:55
You are such a good egg, Toph! I am not surprised that your children turned out well. xoxo pat
This is the end of the thread.
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