That’s me sitting there, and my 21 year old son is taking the picture.
Michael had called and asked if I would like to go to lunch…which is code for “I don’t have any money and I’m hungry Mom”…
I had lots of work to do, but you never know when your son is going to get a job that pays enough so he won’t need you to pick up the tab!
And who knows how many more times I’ll sit on a patio on a pretty day and have lunch with my only son?
I spent almost every moment I could with Michael while he was growing up. I anchored the 6 and 10 o’clock news most of the time but we never lived farther than 12 minutes from work so I could go home for dinner and do stuff like check on his homework. We took far more vacations as a family than as a couple.
I know some people who might say I spent too much time with my only son. Who knows? In some ways I probably did. There were summers I should have sent him to camp instead of taking him to the water park. I was always torn. So I probably made that mistake. I certainly wasn’t the perfect Mom.
But now that he’s almost grown I know this. I don’t have a lot of regrets, but I count among the few I do the moments I could have savored with Michael but chose to do something else, or was preoccupied with something else, instead.
So the next time he calls for lunch, you bet, I’ll answer the phone. Because before you know it, he’ll be 22.
***
By the way, We went to Samson’s Gourmet Hot Dogs, one of his favorite spots, for lunch. It’s a cute little place where you can sit outside on the patio and talk, which is torture for him because there is nothing he would like to do less.
The kids who work there are so nice I wanted to give it a little plug.
My favorite is a simple Samson’s Dog with mustard, relish and jalapenos.
Michael ordered the Manhattan (Samson’s Dog with Sauerkraut, Mashed Potatoes and Grilled Onions) and the Smoker’s Delight with Smoked Chipotle, Guacamole and Cheddar, because he’s still growing, lol.
They do make a killer Bread Pudding for dessert.
Love,
P.S. He’s at the age where he doesn’t want his picture to be “on Mom’s blog”…you know how that is…
Jane you are a fabulous mom and did a fine job with Michael. This sure makes me miss baseball and the fun times the boys had during tournaments.
Me too Tracy, how’s your son??
I, too have but one son, He is 35 and is not married, no children, an old soul. He is terribly independant, but calls me several times a week. He lives in Dallas and I live in Seattle (until 12/15 when I retire and move home). He is so protective and sweet to me. Sons are just special.
Yes they are, thanks for the thoughts.
my one and only child is also my son. He will be 27 soon and I still enjoy the times we share. We have raised a good man. Most parents say I wish my child was like Cody. He’s so respectful and just a good kid. His mother and I always taught him what we thought was best. He works full time and goes to UTA 4 nights a week. He’s an avid fisherman that has caught more huge bass then most professionals. He’s currently on UTA’s bass team. Love them while you can. As hard as you can, and never have regrets about spending too much time with him. Besides he probably dug you hanging at the water park. He was telling all his friends,”yeah that’s my mom. Ain’t she hot” lol
Lol Robert, thanks. It sounds like you did a great job:)
Good morning Jane,
What was in your hot dog to anguish over spending time then or now with your son? Too much is not ever going to be enough. If I may illustrate, I have not seen my son since 2007, nor have I seen my grandchildren since my granddaughter was 5, she is now 12 and about to enter her teen years in early March and my grandson, who was 16 months old then, is now 8 years old. I will refrain from painful details which could never be explained adequately without far to much context and certainly not here, but suffice it to say that not a day, not an hour, passes without all three of them being in the number one spot in my thoughts. So, it was not my intent to “take you to the woodshed” for your introspection but instead to savor every opportunity you have, or can create, to spent time with your posterity. He is a very lucky young man to have you as a loving, caring mom. On a lighter note where exactly is this hot dog shop?
I’m so sorry Dwight, time with my son is a huge blessing. On that lighter note, the hot dog shop is on Oak Lawn Ave in Dallas. Enjoy!
Havent been to Sampsons, but Sonics New York Dog is yummy,lol:
I use to get those calls too, but if it meant seeing my boys ,I accepted,lol
Maybe one day Ill be rewarded and get a nice dinner from one of them…. 🙂 Have a Great Day Jane
Sounds yummy, might have to try! I hope you will be rewarded with that Sandy:)
You did a fabulous job raising Michael. I sure miss the middle school days at CDS with all the wonderful kids and families.
Thanks so much Karen, I do too. It goes quickly.
We saw you during that time with your son at a Cubscout Pinewood Derby at Northeast Mall. Given your local notoriety we were very impressed with your commitment to parenting. Good job mom.
Gary you have made my day! Thank you so much:)
I also have an only son and he is 22, so I can relate on so many levels. Especially when it comes to every chance now to spend time with him. He will be getting married next year and I know for sure I will see him less and less as he will be building his life with his bride-to-be. I also worked full-time when he was growing up and tried to get away from work as often as I could to spend time with him and was lucky enough to have a flexible job that allowed me to go to school functions. But, if anyone would have sat me down and told me just how quickly their childhood flashes by, I would have spent even more time away from my job. We can’t go back and change that so I am just going to make the most of the time I have with him now. By the way, I enjoy your blog and I watched you faithfully when you were on the nightly news. And also, I am certain you are a great Mom. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much Jill, and I’m so happy for you that your son is getting married. Even though time passes, we want them to be happy! Love, Jane
Love reading this I also have one son and Saturday night he called to see if I wanted to go to the cutting edge something we did when he was younger and always had a blast. We had a wonderful time I didn’t even mine waiting in line 2 hours. 🙂
As long as you were with him! I bet you couldn’t have found a better way to spend two hours. Thanks Yolanda.
That is Great. We lost our only Son @ 18 mo. 40 yrs. back.
I am so sorry Bj. Thanks for taking time to read my piece and for such a kind comment, Jane
Time goes so fast… (sniff) Here’s to many more Mother/Son lunches!
We should just go have a good cry! Lol our sons would be so ashamed:)
Sitting here waiting on the call from our 35 year old. We joke he has “food radar” but love speanding time with him. He isnt out only son, but we appreciate our time with him all the more as our first born was born still 36 years ago. They are both precious and we love any time we can dedicate to either one.
So sweet Pat, hope you enjoy every moment with him!
Never regret time spent with family!
You would know Carla!! How are you???
Jane, I lost both my Mom and Dad this year and spend a great deal of time “wanting to relate my latest accomplishment or failing” with them. I am sure your son will always have great memories of you and you can rest in peace knowing you served him well. Great job and miss seeing your smiling face
My thoughts are with you in your loss Allen. Thanks so much for the kind comment, and thanks for missing me! Jane
Jane- time is precious when spent with our children. I lost my son when he was 21. I cherish the moments of our last dinner together at Angry Dog. Never knew the conversation we shared over a burger and fries would be our last mom-son dinner together. Time is precious and even as young adults they need that time as much as we do. Enjoy him !
Phyllis, thank you so much for sharing. I’m so sorry for your loss. My very best to you and thank you again for your kind thoughts, Jane
An old Indian proverb for you Jane.
‘Don’t judge me until you have walked in my moccasins!’
I know some people who might say I spent too much time with my only son. Who knows? In some ways I probably did. There were summers I should have sent him to camp instead of taking him to the water park. I was always torn. So I probably made that mistake. I certainly wasn’t the perfect Mom.
But now that he’s almost grown I know this. I don’t have a lot of regrets, but I count among the few I do the moments I could have savored with Michael but chose to do something else, or was preoccupied with something else, instead.
FYI Jane,
A lot of kids would have loved having you for a mother.
I did read where you said you came home to help with Michaels home work.
You picked up wet towels,etc.
That is being there for…
Please remember, there are many journalist that have been divorced and remarried up to five times because of their love for journalism!
I don’t think anyone is pointing a finger at you… Unless it’s that woman in the mirror with that blow-tan!
Thank you so much Mike, very sweet!
Jane – I wish I had spent MORE time with my kids! I will drop what I have planned today if any of my kids call to have lunch or anything. I’m sure you were a great mom. 🙂
Aww thanks Bob. Time passes so quickly..they grow up fast.