Tuesday, June 25, 2019

A Good Surprise


Ordinarily, I'm not a person that enjoys big surprises very much. They may sound exciting, but often in my experience they can be more disruptive than fun, and too often they don't turn out to be quite as nice as we might have hoped.

But none of that is true when the surprise is a completely unexpected visit from one of your sons, and I was overwhelmed (in a good way) and happy at the surprise visit from Ryan. Lots of plans had to be adjusted, and details had to be switched around, but of course, the changes were totally worthwhile. Ryan has had ... I was going to say "lots of ups and downs", but it's honestly been struggles, dilemmas, problems, road blocks and many "downs", with very few "ups" over the last two or three years. We speak on the phone often, text, and visit probably twice a year, but I have been seriously considering taking the train to Colorado since I can't fly for another four months after my pulmonary embolism. But Ryan came east to let me hug him in person, and so he could relax, regroup, and consider what's next for him. He went back to Colorado on Sunday, and only the crazy, crowded insanity of dropping him off at Newark airport kept me from dissolving completely in tears.

It was absolutely wonderful to see him, and he helped me find a neighborhood tavern in Elkton so maybe I won't dread going down there so much. I hope that all of our talks over drinks and buffalo chicken egg rolls helped him think about what might be best for him moving forward, along with some plans to help achieve what might be best. If you have a spare good thought or two maybe you could send it his way as he could definitely use some good juju over the next few months. I'm back to my usual life, but happy that I've had this wonderful surprise and some more hope for his future.

17 comments:

  1. I can almost hear the joy in your words, so I know it was a great visit and a wonderful surprise. I'm sure it's hard having your kid live so far away, particularly when he's struggling; we moms always want to make everything better.

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  2. Unexpected surprises that include a son are truly the best thing in all the world! It sounds like you had a wonderful and necessary time together - and I will keep Ryan in my thoughts in the coming days.

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  3. What a wonderful surprise, Bonny. Like you, I tend to . . . not like surprises all that much. Except that kind. The kind that involves time with our kids. I've been thinking about you and Ryan all week -- and will continue to hold Ryan in my heart. I'm so glad you had a good visit together. XOXO

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  4. I'm sending all the good juju Ryan's way. I understand the distance and having your kid not be happy...hard thing for a mom. So glad he was able to bring this wonderful surprise your way...I'll bet you made things a whole lot better for him too!

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  5. This is just the BEST, that he flew out to see you. I'm not one for surprises either, but this kind is fine. I've found that being a Mom doesn't become easier over the years...it evolves and changes, but it is always hard to see our kids struggle for whatever reason. I'm sending the best vibes over the air and into CO for Ryan. (And, you could still take a train out in 6 or 8 weeks - just sayin').

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  6. I'm glad you had a good visit with Ryan and I wish him all the best...& you too!

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    1. Thank you very much, Debbie! I know Ryan will appreciate your good thoughts, and I certainly do, too!

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  7. What a wonderful (most welcome) surprise!! I'm sorry to hear about the struggles, and I hope he finds his way...

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  8. Sounds like great timing. Good vibes going out to you all.

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  9. Sending good thoughts to Ryan, and so glad you had some quality time!

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    1. Thank you very much, Kim! I so appreciate your good thoughts.

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  10. This is the kind of surprise we all like! I'll definitely keep him in my thoughts. Glad you had some time to enjoy his visit.

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  11. I'm so happy for you both! I see we've been reading some of the same books so I have a feeling we're sharing some of the same parental challenges at the moment...

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  12. All good thoughts for Ryan, Bonny. He must have needed you and your encouragement to. How wonderful he comes to you for help and advice.

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  13. Me too, all good thoughts for Ryan. It is tougher to be an adult these days in this world, I believe. Support from family is absolutely necessary. You are a great mom

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    1. Thank you, Kathy! Your kind and thoughtful words mean a lot to me!

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  14. so glad that he came to visit and you got to be a mom face to face. We will NEVER stop worrying about our kids, I get consumed with anxiety and I have to walk myself back from my fears. Praying Ryan has smooth sailing with life!

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