A vacation saga Anand home alone- Part -2

The first part of this story is here

Monday was a day to make a group chat with Anand and my friends, posting his volunteering schedule and drop off and pick up were taken care of.

Tuesday morning, while leaving for school he didn’t show any emotion, see you Friday I said.

The plane took off and my heart skipped a beat. It was Tuesday afternoon and for next 4 hours I had no idea about anything. Plane landed and first thing I noticed was the text – “Mom, the microwave is broken for no reason, how can I fix it” and then a response from my friends, finally one of them went home and showed Anand how to fix the trip and fuse and just like that one thing was done. She responded, “he is all set, happy and gave me a hug” she made him turn on the porch lights and Anand was all set to spend his FIRST night alone at home.

A very close friend of ours, whom we lost 20 yrs ago, used to say – you plan 100 things, only 101^st will happen, these words never left me just like his memories. We did try to plan everything we could imagine but we didn’t for two hour delay the next day. The icy road delayed the school. I was concerned about Anand being on time for school bus, little I could imagine was delayed school. Anand got the texts from me and friends and remained in the bed for another hour and half and got ready and went to school. Just like that Wednesday was done too. During the day, we exchanged some texts about his exams and school work. I could see the string of texts in group chat how he managed his time for drop off and pick up for his volunteer work on Wednesday. I got a response “love you too mom” for my text that I am so proud of him and love him. That made my day. He asked how’s is New Orleans. Thursday, he asked what time was our flight back to MA. I didn’t get many texts but between shorts calls and group texts and text I could figure out that he was OK. The friends took care of Wednesday and Thursday drive for after school activities so I heard from them too. Friday morning, I told him I am excited to see him soon and got a reply – “me too” We came back home and I walked in, he was playing videogame in the basement. Usually if I call his response is – “Let me focus” but this time someone came running upstairs and I got a very long and tight hug. “I missed you mom and I love you” I think these words made me feel the happiest mom at that very minute. He went back downstairs again soon and I could see the pizza boxes, empty sauce bottles, cups and what not. But I decided to ignore all the mess and live the moment, happiness and pride. At that time, I was in awe that Anand could spend 3 nights on his own.

That Friday night I went to bed with a feeling of pride, satisfaction, gratitude and smile. My son is growing and making me prouder every day. I will still be a pushy and demanding mom to make him an independent person. I am so looking forward to another trip and this time he will have to clean too.

In summary, he had a really nice life for those 4 days. He could get used to it and wished mom should go on vacation often. he didn’t have much homework, two half fays and one two-hour delay so he practically had very easy school days. He ate pasta and pizza for 8 meals, 6 cupcakes and 6 cokes. And played video game like there was no tomorrow. We all are spoiled I think. He enjoyed his freedom and I loved my vacation. Looks like I am ready for another one soon.

Below are the images from past - Anand in two different moods. I loved how his eyes are focus on that delicious sample. 

This picture was taken in Capecod, he went on his own to explore the shore line and found his way back to us.. Life is so much like this.. try and figure out what works and what doesn't.