Lisa Endlich's Blog, page 407
March 2, 2017
The Final Buzzer Sounds: Tears at the Last Game
In the interest of complete transparency, I will admit that I have been utterly terrified to pen this reflection. Searching for catharsis, I will be reopening a hole in my heart that is still too fresh. Like thousands of parents of high school senior athletes, I recently crossed the inevitable divide that marked the end of my son’s 12 year journey with a sport “we” have loved and shared for most of his life. He is, was and forever will be a hockey player, but the sport itself is almost irrele...
No One Ever Starts Out Saying They Want to Be an Alcoholic
I took my son to lunch when he was home from college, and he ordered a beer. I was shocked but then realized he is of legal age.
Hmmm. . . I wasn’t expecting that. It was awkward. I couldn’t say no.
We’ve talked about the risks of using drugs and alcohol since he was little. We rarely have wine in our home. Never beer or hard liquor. So, I assumed he’d be like me. A rarely, occasional or not-at-all drinker. Faulty assumption.
When he ordered a beer, I realized that might be the case or it mi...
March 1, 2017
Don’t Be an Idiot and 11 Other Dating Lessons My Sons Need to Know
Dear Sons –
I know we’ve talked a lot about dating before (even when you didn’t ask my opinion) but I wanted to give you your own handy-dandy written “Guide” in case you are ever wondering what I would tell you and I’m not around.
Mom’s Guide to DatingDon’t roll your eyes.
Here goes:
1. Don’t be an asshole. You heard me. If I find out that you are treating your significant other badly I will personally kick your ass.
2. Don’t be a doormat. This is not the opposite of being an asshole. Don’...
A Grown and Flown Question: Has this Mom Aged Out?
Dear Grown and Flown,
For some time now I’ve felt like a cheat or maybe even a creeper as I continue to be an engaged member on your site. I wrote my book Text Me, Love Mom: Two Girls, Two Boys, One Empty Nest[image error] because back in the day, I honestly couldn’t find a community of support during that period of parenting that you focus on. I consider it ‘the next stage of parenting’ – as the kids leave home and your family has to find its bearings again.
Surprising Moments of Joy in an Ordinary Day
It’s about the small stuff.
I have long lost any patience I once had for sixth grade math homework. Or, to be honest, I was never really any good at sixth grade math but, nonetheless, I’m attempting to help my youngest son with his nightly math assignment and I’m not being as patient as I could be. My oldest son is home from college for the week and he dismisses me with, “Why are you yelling at him?” followed by, “I’ve got this mom.” I skulk into the family room but surreptitiously watch them...
Third’s the Charm? A Letter to My Son as He Prepares for College
When I was pregnant with you, my third child, I’d be lying if I said that I hadn’t thought about how much fun it would be to have a little girl, a little pink in my life. At the time, I had two little boys, and a houseful of Legos, superheroes and dump trucks, not to mention, everything painted, clothed or covered in blue.
Daddy and I decided not to find out the genders of your brothers. So, in keeping with tradition, we didn’t know what you were.
February 28, 2017
A Letter to the Baby of Our Family
We need to have a talk.
It’s about something important. It’s about who your parents are. You know how sometimes I treat you differently than your older siblings? There’s a reason for that, and it’s time we talked about it.
You’re our youngest child and you have a different mom than the other kids.
The mom who raised your brothers and sister did look a little like me, but she was thinner, and had younger skin. She ran mostly on energy, enthusiasm, and expectations. She could read important th...
I Wanted My Son to Attend a Prestigious College. Why I Was Wrong
I was a great mother up to the point where my son was weighing his university options. It was a choice between a more prestigious school and one with less of a “brand” name.
My son had already decided he was not going to Oxford. He was right. His personality would have been at odds with that of Oxford. Still, it would have been nice to see him follow in his brother’s footsteps.
See me not channeling my wants through my child. Go me.
I am a widowed mother of four. I take great pride in the re...
Mom Misses College Daughter in Hilarious and Sweet Way
Your voice sounds so confident and mature on the other end of the phone.
I make sure that mine sounds equally strong.
“Hey Mom! Wanted to let you know I won’t be coming home this weekend. My roommate’s boyfriend got tickets to a concert upstate. I hope you don’t mind!”
“That’s terrific honey! Have a great time!”
“Thanks Mom! You’re the best! I’ll make it up to you!”
Click.
I fold myself onto the couch.
In a half fetal tears drip chin to pillo...
February 27, 2017
Want to Order a College Care Package? Here are the Best Resources
College kids love getting a care package from their parents, the people who care about and miss them the most. If you’re a baker, by all means, go ahead and bake! If you love gathering your kid’s favorites and don’t mind the trip to the post office, shop and ship away! But don’t let lack of time or meager baking skills hold you back. If you want to get something in the mail to surprise your kid away at school, the answer is just a few keystrokes away.
We asked our Grown and Flown parents for...
