The cat's in the cradle

We're always rushing to be grown up when we're kids. When we're grown-ups, we don't spend near enough time with our children. I heard this Harry Chapin song the other day. It never fails to bring tears to my eyes. (Yes, yes, I know, I cry at Kleenex commercials, but that isn't the point. It is a poignant song.)

A child arrived just the other day,
He came to the world in the usual way.
But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay.
He learned to walk while I was away.
And he was talking 'fore I knew it, and as he grew,
He'd say, "I'm gonna be like you, dad.
You know I'm gonna be like you."

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little boy blue and the man in the moon.
"When you coming home, dad?"
"I don't know when,But we'll get together then.
You know we'll have a good time then."

My son turned ten just the other day.
He said, "Thanks for the ball, dad, come on let's play.
Can you teach me to throw?"
I said, "Not today,I got a lot to do."
He said, "That's ok."
And he walked away, but his smile never dimmed,
Said, "I'm gonna be like him, yeah.
You know I'm gonna be like him."

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little boy blue and the man in the moon.
"When you coming home, dad?"
"I don't know when,But we'll get together then.
You know we'll have a good time then."

Well, he came from college just the other day,
So much like a man I just had to say,
"Son, I'm proud of you. Can you sit for a while?"
He shook his head, and he said with a smile,
"What I'd really like, dad, is to borrow the car keys.
See you later. Can I have them please?"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little boy blue and the man in the moon.
"When you coming home, son?"
"I don't know when,But we'll get together then, dad.
You know we'll have a good time then."

I've long since retired and my son's moved away.
I called him up just the other day.
I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind."
He said, "I'd love to, dad, if I could find the time.
You see, my new job's a hassle, and the kid's got the flu,
But it's sure nice talking to you, dad.
It's been sure nice talking to you."
And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me,
He'd grown up just like me.
My boy was just like me.

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little boy blue and the man in the moon.
"When you coming home, son?"
"I don't know when, But we'll get together then, dad.
You know we'll have a good time then."
----

Stinkerbelle wanted to wear her princess dress today. Why not? It made her happy.

I love the little way her toes are pointed in, sort of shy and uncertain.

Hot Rod was home from school today. Allergies got the best of him and his throat is all ripped up from post-nasal drip. Doc gave him some cough/expectorant to help him. He snoozed. I would love to be a kid again. Sleeping in the floor with my Hot Wheels comforter, Twins hat and Captain Jack sword. There was a penguin on the other side of him.

Sweet kids. I need to put the laundry off and spend more time with them tonight.