Friends Again

It's not that we were not friends for the past 28 years as we raised three boys from infancy to young adulthood, but we were more parents than friends as we shared the countless duties that go along with parenting. Now, however, as our sons move out and into the world, each on his own path, in many ways, our friendship is blossoming again much like it did over thirty years ago during our early days together and the first years of married life before the children arrived.

This is a stage that's new in so many ways--we actually have time again to plan getaways that are all about us, what we enjoy and what we wish for. Last week, for the first time in many, many years, we set up a tent in a public park. Overall, it was a a cost-efficient success, one that complements these college tuition years well. Hopefully we'll do it again soon and make sure to include an air mattress that doesn't leak. We meandered on our bikes, walked the beach, and had a nice dinner together. What fun!

I'm learning all I can about this new post-child-raising stage and I hope to enjoy these days as much as I can before we move into that next stage of grandparenting which I believe is not too far off.

In the meantime, recommendations for this friends again stage are welcome.