I am panting! And I am smiling.
Our son and grandson just left after a long stay.
They have been staying with us for about a month. It’s been fun. It’s been wild.
However, Fred and I totally realize in great depth to the nth degree that ...
WE NEED OUR PRIVACY.
And I think we are getting worse.
And touchy, and cranky. And well, just needing space.
I remember in the past, when a large crowd gathered here, that there remained no place to go to get away just for a bit. In fact, I remember a time when I grabbed a flashlight, book and pillow, and climbed into a closet. I shut the door and sat on the floor reading for an hour.
They looked for me ... “Where is gramma? Dad, do you know where Mom is?”
I ignored. I knew that no one would die with me gone for a bit.
They had food. They had others to talk to. I thought to leave my cell phone on the kitchen table so that they couldn’t call me.
Now THAT’S thinking.
I stayed there until I felt like coming out. It didn’t last long. But, it felt good. I remember that.
Sometimes, “hectic” is fun. And other times, hectic can be unnerving.
Fred escapes to the garden. No one really wants to get on his knees and root around for vegetables. They leave him alone. Go to my Facebook and you will see the size of that vegetable oasis!
I can escape to the pool or to the grocery store but usually ...
I go to the kitchen, wipe cupboards, wipe out the sink, stack dirty dishes in the dishwasher, sweep the floor, mop up spills, unpack the dishwasher and cook.
Don’t feel sorry for me. It makes me feel better to keep up with the mess. I can’t stand it otherwise.
I do thank God for children. Having lost two of our children, I appreciate those that remain. And I am thankful for enough food, air conditioning, and much more.
But, sometimes it all drives me nuts!
Can I scream? EEEEEEEEEEK!
Now, I observe that our adult kids are experiencing some of this with their kids. Heh Heh. Getting even!
I remember the stories I’ve read about the mother of John and Charles Wesley. If you remember, those two godly men made immense differences in our world with their ministries. They are among the most notable evangelists for Jesus Christ who ever lived. Both preached; both wrote hymns. John is more noted for his sermons, and Charles for his hymns.
Mama Susana Wesley was the mother of 19 children. She dedicated her life to instilling a sense of Christian destiny in each of her children.
And there were times I am sure she wanted her privacy too. No kidding!
Do you know how she got it?
She wore a large apron. She pulled it up and over her head when she wanted to be left alone. The children knew not to interfere. Mama was in her prayer closet. It was then that she prayed and found her sanity; her place of refuge.
So, my climbing into the closet is not so weird is it?
Now that the house is quiet for a little while, I think I will go clean up the kitchen. I will spiff up the closet for use in the future.
Shh. Don’t tell my secret.

Judi Tabler lives in Pawnee County and is a guest columnist for the Great Bend Tribune. She can be reached at bluegrasses@gmail.com. Visit her website juditabler.com.