David started his new job half a country away. Jay moved into his apartment at GWU and then left for the Bahamas with his basketball team. Twice in one week I watched as clothes, shoes, tvs, computers, ipods, chargers, and other boy's necessities accumulated at our front door to be moved into a waiting vehicle and then on to a new fall address.
Poetry and cooking saved the day for me. Facebook friend, Katrina, had posted Kahlil Gibran's poem "On Children". Just in the nick of time.
The most difficult part of parenting is to raise children to become independent of you. It is also the most rewarding part of parenting.
So I watched on two separate days as each son prioritized and organized their belongings, packed up their cars, gave a bear hug and drove out of the driveway. It is such a mixed bag of emotions - the ending of one wonderful phase and the beginning of another.
I am grateful that both boys have such great opportunities in front of them. And I am grateful that both are prepared to accept their challenges and are eager to embrace their own lives.
On Children Kahlil Gibran
Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might
that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable.
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A few things that keep this bow stable are the garden, the kitchen and the grocery store. The tomatoes have had some trouble with the heat, but I have been able to find some here and there. The more I cut the fresh basil, the faster it replenishes itself. And then shrimp have been on sale. So it's been a good time for one of my favorite dishes.
Shrimp with Pasta, Fresh Basil, Garlic, Romas and Parmesan Cheese
With shrimp on sale and Roma Tomatoes and Basil in the garden this is a really fast, healthy and inexpensive meal. And the fact that we just mix in all together like tossing a fresh salad makes it super simple.
I used frozen easy peel 21-30 count shrimp, boiled with water and Old Bay Seasoning just until pink, then peeled them and left them whole.
You can use any kind of pasta but just don't boil it to death. I use vermicelli most of the time because I like the long shape mixed with whole shrimp and chopped tomatoes, but it works with other shapes like penne or seashells.
While shrimp and pasta are boiling, chop romas and basil. The amounts vary but I just try to have a good balance of colors and textures.
Don't cut corners on the parmesan cheese. Buy a block of parmesan and grate it yourself. There is such a big difference between freshly grated parmesan and any other kind. It is a little bit expensive by the block, but you don't use all that much and it lasts a really long time in the fridge.
Instead of fresh garlic, I use McCormick Minced Garlic in oil, which is a whole lot easier and maybe even a little better in this dish since you don't saute it before adding.
Mix together chopped roma tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Firm roma tomatoes are best for this. Other varieties are too soft and juicy and are better for sandwiches or on hamburgers.
Drain the pasta and put into a big bowl. While pasta is still hot, add the shrimp, romas, garlic, and basil and then grate parmesan on top. You can add a little olive oil if it needs a little more liquid. Toss it all together and serve with toasted buttered bread. Then savor every moment.
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