Empty Nest part II

When Baker went away to college three years ago we still had Amanda at home.  So although there was a hole in the family when he left we still had one child at home.   But last fall when Baker and Amanda both left it was tough.  After 20 years of thinking of myself more as a father than anything else it was tough to have both children gone.

We have reached that same point once again.  Baker left for college today and Amanda will leave on Thursday.  Anxiety is taking hold.  I feel sad and a little nervous.  When the kids are gone not only does my identity suffer a painful shift but I don't know where they are.  Especially at  night.  I don't know if they are safe and making good choices.  I don't know if they are home safe.  I don't know much at all except that they are at that age where they are going to do some foolish things and be in some dangerous situations.

I'm lucky to have good kids and cell phones help.  But I go to sleep many nights wondering where they are and what they are doing. No wonder I am melancholy.

London Riots 8/11/11

I suspect that world events tend to have less impact on a person like me who does not watch tv.  Moving images of people suffering, buildings burning, debris strewn streets after a bombing and the wailing of survivors have a greater impact than a newspaper story, even one with pictures.

On September 11, 2001 my friend, who always has the tv news on, called to tell me when the first plane hit the World Trade Center.  Many people spent the day in front of the tv watching the jets crash into the towers over and over. 

That's not my idea of a good way to spend a day. 

I am reminded of the role of video during upheaval by the recent London riots.  I read a little about the riots in the Chicago Tribune, read a little more on line, and heard some reports on the radio.  Also, because I enjoy the writing of Theodore Dalrymple, I went here http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/miarticle.htm?id=7356 and read what he had to say.

A more informed, less emotional opinion and response to news is my goal.  To sit and watch images of looters looting and buildings emptied and destroyed is considerably different than to read about the underlying reasons for the riots, including not only the shooting of the cabbie, the relationship between some of the poor and the police, and in the case of the Dalrymple article an opinion about the culture and character of British youth.

Family event Shakespeare

In Oak Brook, Illinois there is an old mansion with beautiful landscaped grounds.  It is owned by the Du page County Forest Preserve District.  There is a wonderful theater group, First Folio, that makes its home there.

In the summer they perform outside next to a hill on a large stage.  First Folio is very good.

Last night Sarah, Baker, Amanda and I went to there to see "Romeo and Juliet".  The four of us seldom go anywhere together so this was a special occasion.

I had trouble understanding the actors words and so did Sarah.  The sound was just a little distorted or something.  At intermission I talked to the sound guy and told him I was having trouble understanding some of the actors and asked him if he could turn the volume up.

He told me that he was at the upper limit and if he turned it up more he would get feedback.


The words in any play, but especially Shakespeare, are so important.  So not only did I have to contend with 400 year old language but also with under amplified voices.

 Despite the sound problem and voracious mosquitoes, I had a good time.  I don't think that Baker and Amanda enjoyed it very much but its hard to tell.