Mommy's Date

O.k, so it's only been a few months since Mark has been gone, but I am learning that sometimes just getting out for a little adult companionship is not harmful.

So I arranged to go out for a couple drinks with a man that I had been friends with since I was 17 years old. He was someone that I have spent time with in the past and felt comfortable with. But first, I had to check with my monkeys. I tend to not want to do anything without checking with them first. I want them to be able to express to me their fears and wishes.

Jacob, now 9, tells me "it's about time!"

Kyle asks if he can come along, "Mommy, I just want to go with you. I want to make sure you are o.k."

It was sweet. I have to admit.

So it's 7:15 p.m. on Thursday night and he pulls in the driveway to pick me up. Of course, all of my monkeys and two of the three from upstairs are outside playing so they have to check him out.

"Mom, just remember, I am here if you need me" Jacob tells me.

Then he pulls me aside and asks me to keep one rule for him "no kissing on the lips tonight Mommy, you need to save that for the 22nd date".

I smile at him sweetly and tell him, no kissing on the lips.

After a great evening of conversation, I arrive home at 11 p.m.

"Hey Mom, what was he like?"

"Did you have fun?"

"Do we get to meet him?"

"Are you going to go out again?"

I felt like I was answering 20 questions from my parents like when I was back in high school. It was so sweet.

Then as I was getting ready for bed, Jacob came in my room and said, "Mom, I just have to know, did you keep my rule? at least for tonight?"

I smile at him and said, "baby doll, I told you no kissing on the lips, right? Don't you sweat it!"

"Phew" he says, "so when are you going out again? You drive me crazy when you are home!"