Love From a Distance

So its kind of a crappy day today.

Most of you know that Riley doesn't live with me. While I am respecting his choice to stay at the house which is closer to school, friends and the pool, its really hard to find a balanced approach to finding quality time with him. His dad likely doesn't get much either as Riley spends what little free time he has with friends, but what he does get is that "in between time" which can be so valuable. I think you know what I mean - the time eating dinner, driving to and from school, the pool, the just hanging out time that gives the opportunity to connect in a less formal way.

For me, its about making appointments to see Riley, which often result in him giving up something he's doing with his friends. There are so many things I need and want to talk to him about but am often leery to spoil what little time we have with "parent" type conversations - of course the kind no teenager likes.

Today I really wanted to see Riley but he changed his plan in favour of going out with friends and to a hockey game. I know friends are way more fun than Mom but its disappointing. I tried to explain how I was feeling but in Riley's mind - I'm "high maintenance", "kind of like another girlfriend". I'm at a bit of a loss at the moment but I'm sure it will work itself out.

I suppose its not much different than Mom's who live with their teenagers - we miss them the more they grow up and move away from us. We raise independent children and its that much harder when they exercise their independence.