Time Flies

I can't believe our summer with the superkids has come and gone so quickly. I was so eager for this summer to arrive and promised to live in the moment each day with them. We had made some great vacation plans and enrolled them in some great activities this year.

Summer break seems like it is such a long period of time before it begins and after it tragically seems like such a flash in front of your eyes. It never seems like it was enough time together after they go home. I can't describe the hurt and empty feeling I feel every year after they leave. I get so accustomed to seeing them every day and still expect to see them in their beds late at night as I pass their room. I miss just being able to talk to them and see their beautiful smiles.

There were a lot of smiles this summer. SB really has grown and adjusted to having step parents this year. He stated that this was his best summer ever and I agree with him. SB usually stays in trouble and has been so openly defiant in the past. This year he has been so compliant and willing to help out and follow the rules. He truly has been a different child and he has been wearing a beautiful smile on his face all summer.

SG has been her usual self and cherished every moment with Lois and I. She continues to be such a bright spot in our family and sets such a good example for her little brother. She does however have some competition for the good child status now. She truly appreciates the experiences she has with us in Metropolis and shows it with tons of hugs, smiles and laughter.

I'm going through my usual SK's withdrawal and I struggle with my emotions for several weeks after. Lois puts up with me and really helps me by listening to me each year. Six weeks is just not enough time. There were so many things I wanted to do with them this summer and I almost feel like I let them down by not finding the time to do all those things.

And then Lois reminds me of everything we did with the kids this summer. And then I remember the look on my sons face at the airport before he boarded his flight. SB's face was red and his eyes were brimming with tears. You could see it in his eyes he wasn't ready to leave and I truly believe for the first time that he understood how I feel every time he leaves and heads back to his mother's home.

Each year we are making progress with the SK's and each summer gets better and better. I hope one day that SB will feel the same way as SG about living with us in Metropolis.