Schoolies and Toolies

Like many parents, I reluctantly endured schoolies week as my then 17 year old son and several of his friends headed to the Gold Coast for 'schoolies' after the completion of the HSC. That was two years ago.

Now I find myself wondering why, as a 19 year old, he has to go again, this time a 'toolie'.  Seriously, wasn't once enough? I guess it is slightly different this time.  He's been away from home (without 'real adults') before, at 19 he's an 'adult' himself now, he has matured and he is a little more experienced in taking care of himself, and going at night to pubs and clubs. That doesn't stop a mum from worrying though, just a little bit. I won't completely relax until I see him home at the end of the week.  Until then, I'll be praying he stays safe. That's all I can do.

Ben and his mum

It's the little things...

Last week I went interstate for a few days, leaving 19 year old Ben to look after the house (and the cat)... It was so lovely to come home to find (most of) the dishes in the dishwasher, the living room tidy... and the cat still alive! What a relief to know that our home, and everything in it, was in good hands. Ben had obviously made an effort to keep the house in order, while getting himself to work each day...  and there was no evidence of unauthorised parties held in my absence!
It was good to be home!