Eventful August

It has been an eventful August so far. The boys had visitation with their mom from the 7-10. It has not become easier as some have eluded to. I still walk into it treading lightly with some fear of what will happen when they come home after only four days.

I was moved to tears this time. As I was driving to Lafayette to pick them up, Chandler texted me a simple message, "Dad, I missed you." I had just pulled over at a gas station in Beaumont to get a snack for me and the boys for our drive home. I wept. He was okay. I allowed the tears to stream down my face as I praised God that this time through a separation of four days didn't create a month of estrangement.

After picking them up at the Cracker Barrell in Lafayette, we ate, drove home, and got ready for our vacation. I made reservations through priceline.com and got a deal! $63 a night at the Hilton Spa and Hotel literally across the overpass from Sea World! We arrived that night and spent Friday doing the Riverwalk and the mall as well as the Alamo. Saturday was Sea World with Uncle Vince, Aunt Jenny and Matthew.

This is when I noticed that Spencer was definitely re-attached to the level he had been back in March and in August of last year. Both times, right after visitation. It is the fear of abandonment coming out in full-force. He wouldn't let me leave his sight. The stress was there for all to see when I tried to ride a couple of rides with Chandler and leave him with Vince and Matthew, who is only a year older than Spencer. This is our reality now and will have to work through over time.

All in all it was a fantastic vacation. The hotel was remarkable. We made smores in the firepit one night, watched movies on the big wall outside, etc. etc. Great memories. I love my boys and I am so blessed to be raising them.

Fast forward to this morning. Today is a special day as Spencer starts Kindergarten at Bear Branch Elementary. Amazing really. It seems like yesterday yet an eternity when Chandler started. Now, it is Spencer's turn as a Bear Branch Bear. I met his teacher and she seems incredible. Yet another God thing where He knows exactly who to put in Spencer's life at just the right time. Pics will come later for sure. Chandler starts his sophomore year. He is only three total years away now from graduating high school. It is just sick and wrong. I am so proud of him. What a talent. What a great big brother. What an amazing son.

My grace is sufficient for you...One Day At A Time!