Coffee With Maddie




My husband, our two younger boys and I just got back from visiting our oldest son (Drew) who’s attending a college in the upper peninsula of Michigan. It was a seven hour drive each way. It was worth every minute though - I’ve never in my life seen such beautiful colors of leaves as I did in northern Wisconsin and into Michigan. Amazing!

After checking into our hotel, I called Drew. He wanted us to come up to his dorm room (I’m pretty sure he wanted us to see that he’d cleaned it). I would dearly love to be this calm and collected mom who just takes everything in stride. I’m not. Now that he lives away from home, I’m trying (very hard I might add) to stay out of his business and decisions - unless he would offer information or ask advice (which rarely happens). I’ve been fairly successful at doing this . . . when I’m not around him. As soon as he’s in physical proximity to me, something happens. I feel the need to be involved again! This time I took a deep breath, and instead of telling everything that was racing through my mind, I gave him a big hug and told him how glad we were to be there. Progress!

That evening we took him and a friend out to dinner. I asked him what he liked most about college. Without a moment of hesitation, he looked me square in the eyes and said, “My freedom - no offense Mom.” Okay. No offense taken (sort of). I knew then that I’d have to wait until the next day to suggest he get a haircut and suggest that maybe, just maybe eating a fruit or vegetable once in awhile wouldn’t hurt him.

But I have to tell you the topping on the cake! I asked him how he was getting along doing his laundry. He said, “Great - I can do two loads for 25¢.” 25¢?? Washing the clothes is free and he can throw both loads into one dryer and dry them for a quarter. What a deal! But . . . then he goes on to tell me he hasn’t washed any of his pants yet - just everything else. I remained somewhat calm and collected, but ventured out and gave him my opinion. “Wash your pants!” Here’s the dilemma: Have you seen the new style for pants this year? The dirt washed look? They look faded and dirty (and still cost more than $50). When Drew wore these pants for the first time, a cousin of his told him when he washed them the “dirty” look would wash out and they would look clean. Therefore, he hasn’t washed them. That explains everything. Could someone please tell me what’s wrong with this picture?!? I looked at him again and said, “Wash your pants!!” Enough said. I’m happy to say that was the only tense moment of the weekend.

I just spent some time with my mom today and remembered that she didn’t always like the way I dressed or did things either. And I certainly remember her not being silent about it. But do you know what? Today, my mom is one of my biggest fans. She’s still there for me when I need her and she supports me in everything I do. That’s what being a mom is all about. I guess you don’t quit being a mom just because your kids move out. I hope my kids will always know I’m one of their biggest fans too!

Until next week . . . God bless you and yours! -Maddie

---

Coffee With Maddie: Archive;
Blessings
Magazine Junkie!

---

About the Author;
Maddie is a dear friend from the Midwest who will touch your heart with her gentle stories of home of family. You can just picture yourself at the kitchen table any early morning with Maddie, a fresh cup of coffee, maybe the smell of bacon in the air, and a log on the fire to take out the chill.

Talk to Maddie at ...
Maddie@boomerjournals.com