Cat's in the cradle

On the way to the airport, YK said, "I can't believe I'll be away from home for 3 weeks. That's so long!"

"Remember you were away for 3 days during the last school trip? Now it's 3 weeks. Two years later, it'll be 3 months (in-camp basic military training), then 3 years if you study overseas. Finally, 30 years if you move out of my house for good."

We arrived at the airport, he hopped off and said a quick goodbye. I felt my eyes well up with tears. I guess a mother will never get used to this.

I returned home and started to tidy up his books and paper strewn all over the table. I wonder how he thrives in all this clutter? I entered his room and pulled up the blinds. While he prefers his room to be dark like a cave, I like it bright and airy.

I'll be taking the opportunity to sterilise and clean up his room while he's away. He will return to find his wardrobe so well organised, he won't ever want to mess it up again.

With big brother out of the house, SK has invited some friends over today. They'll swim, play games and may even sleep over (not in YK's room of course). I've stocked up on snacks, pizza and bread so that they won't go hungry.

YK must be up in the air now as I write. I hope he remembers to call me from India.

For some reason, I've been thinking of the song "Cat's in the cradle". Not surprising really because the song is told in first-person by a father who is too busy to spend time with his son.

My 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 talkin' '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 on the moon
When you comin' home dad?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
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
And 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 on the moon
When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then

Well, he came home 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 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 on the moon
When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then

I've long since retired, 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 can find the time
You see my new job's a hassle and kids have 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 on the moon
When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then dad
You know we'll have a good time then