A Bit of Purpose

I gave my son a nice five piece luggage set for Christmas, something he needed and appreciated as a gift. American Tourister, built to last. He'd worn his old set out, packing and unpacking it every Sunday night. That's when he arrives or leaves, seven days on, seven off. He left tonight, carrying two full sized suitcases, a backpack and the Playstation box all at once, an acquired skill.

Oh, there's still a closet full of stuff and dresser full of more. What ever is left on the floor gets laundered, extra Downy so it smells nice and then either hung or folded in it's place. Yeah, I pick up after him. Whatever habits he has by now are not about to change. Puts a bit of purpose in my life, too.

A bit of my purpose is just giving my son a place he feels real good about calling home. In this modest house, we have good meals, in front of the TV, but still together. It's decorated poorly, but the furniture is comfortable. Tried painting once and you can tell that I did! And I'm proud to say we have a civil household. I saw the other way for many years and there's no need for that. I hope my children and their own families will have this, too.

I had purpose present itself to me right before Christmas. Spring tuition was due for my daughter and I was the only parent who could help. But this was on top of an already fair amount of expenses. Up till then, I always had a Plan B purpose when no others seemed around. That purpose was to visit the Legion and ensure their supply of Jagermeister never spoiled. Costly, but I kept their Jagermeister always fresh!

I cut out Plan B and any beer it took to wash it down as part of an effort to pay that spring tuition. The town ATM isn't wearing out so fast any more. Wasn't as hard as I thought, either. I get positive re-enforcement right before bedtime when my son and I do the 'count'.

Background time. Many years ago I would tuck in my son and say "I love you"... and he'd just roll his eyes. One night he said "You always say that". "Yes", I explained "and I could say that 10,000 times and never grow tired of it". So we started counting. We started from 10,000 counting the nightly "I love you". And he stopped rolling his eyes and would sincerely echo mine.

Still does. We're down to 3,059 after tonight. We did actually start saying three nightly some time ago, just to hasten the count. Another count has been added, that of days without smoking. Up to 38. The nice part is he gives me a 'thumbs up' along with a wonderful approving smile.

Makes me feel pretty good about my purpose. Gives me strength to carry my own luggage.