29 Jun Summer Sabbatical Scoop 3
It’s a beautiful night in downtown Buellton! If you’ve never been here, you do. not. know. what you are missing! And I’m not referring to Pea Soup Andersen’s either, though I am fairly partial to The Hitching Post and their Garlic Roasted Artichoke. Anyway, I digress…..
It’s a few minutes before midnight. I am at an RV dining table watching my 13 year old son, Jonathan, sleep. Kids are precious when they’re sleeping, aren’t they? Heck, ADULTS are precious when they’re sleeping! I love to watch Colleen sleep. Digression, again …..
It is precious watching him sleep. We spent the last couple days packing together and encouraging each other about this trip. Joshua arrived home from his trip today just before we left for this one.
Arriving here about 6:30 pm, we started setting up camp (for what it’s worth, it IS a lot of work to set up an RV; I don’t care what you say …. everything still has to go somewhere….)
Jonathan did as much as he could and then just HAD TO go searching for frogs. We brought walkie-talkies, so he grabbed one so we could stay in touch while he searched and I finished unpacking, packing and setting up. Our conversation was precious ….
Him: “Dad, there’s a snake, what should I do?”
Me: “Uh, leave it alone and let it be.”
Him: “You mean I shouldn’t kill it and bring it back to base with me?”
Me: “Right Munchkin (my nickname for him), just leave it alone and let it be.”
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Him: “Dad, I can’t find any frogs out here.”
Me: “Well, they’ve probably all gone home for dinner like good little frogs.”
Him: “Yeah, tht’s true, they’re probably all enjoying their dinner.”
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Him: “Dad, I just saw some quail and they are cool and majestic!”
Me: “Wow Munchkin! Who made those?”
Him: “God did.”
Me: “Right, and what does that mean about God?”
Him: “That He thought of something cool and majestic?”
Me: “Right, and tha means He is even more cool and even more majestic.”
Him: “Yeah, that too.”
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Him: “Dad, keep talking to me.”
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It was pretty incredible, as you may imagine. I BBQ’d some hot dogs for dinner, and we just enjoyed being with each other. A great night.
Josh starts football practices tomorrow afternoon. Wow.
He and Colleen will join us Wednesday or Thursday night, and then we’ll be here through the weekend. Planning to see the 4th of July fireworks in Santa Barbara on Saturday.
When Colleen and Josh arrive, I plan on disconnecting technologically through the weekend. No Twitter, Facebook, TM’ing, and as little phone as possible. I plan to do at least one or two lengthy stints away from technology.
Some find it hard to believe, but I DO believe it is important to disconnect technologically on a regular basis. It’s been a while since I’ve done it, so it may be a little nerve-wracking for me, but I’ll live. And probably even thrive!
Feel free to let me know you’re along for the journey with a comment if you’d like.
Until next time …..
Jaime Desmarais
Posted at 16:41h, 29 JunePaul,
As I sat here reading your blog on the beginnings of a wonderful camping trip with your sons it made me smile to know that there are people out there that can be a great dad like you are to your boys. At the same time, it made me ache so badly with the thought that I have never had the enjoyment in the experience of having a good dad. I know I have been told that God is the “Ultimate Father”, but here on earth, not having a physical dad has been so much harder than I ever thought it would be. I am so thrilled for you that you have this opportunity to take this summer and spend it with your family. Keep on being that wonderful dad that your boys so desperately need, even if they really don’t realize it yet…….they will!
Love,
Jaime Desmarais 🙂
tim & deb
Posted at 04:30h, 01 JulyGlad you’re getting some one-on-one with Jonathan. Kids REALLY need that special time alone with their dad. Like Jamie D. I never really had it either, but had great memories with my grandfather even if they only lasted til I was almost 8. Give all your family a hug for me when you’re together.
Love,
Mom
Debbie Ciulla
Posted at 11:19h, 02 JulyWe call that going “off the grid” It’s good to unplug with thecnology, enjoy your time. (added by Mobile using Mippin)