Torn Between Two Lovers
Posted: Thursday, March 05, 2009
by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker
The last few days have been filled with anticipation and trepidation. I was certain this was going to be an easy choice--no doubts whatsoever. I would be going away for 10 incredible days with an amazing man, what a treat!
Then unexpectedly, I questioned my allegiance. The other love of my life began to pull on my heartstrings. What made me think I could run off so quickly?
I woke yesterday morning thinking about my other love and all the wonderful trips we have taken together. Since then, I have been on an emotional rollercoaster. Should I stay or should I go?
"Honey", I say," Maybe we should bring the kids along. It's not going to be the same without them. Our family games, our sing-a-longs, and our overnight stay in hotels--what do you think?" His voice fades off into the distance as my mind takes me back 11-years.
~~~~~
Play that funky music white boy….Lay down and boogie, and play that funky music til you die--til you die…
"Hey mom"
"What's up, J"
"Can you change the song please?"
"Sure, no problem, what do you want to listen to?"
"Styx"
Again, we all start singing. After awhile, we hear Britt and J talking…
"Hey Britt"
"Ya J?"
"Are mom and dad singing about the "F" word?"
"What?"
"That song, lay down and boogie and play that F-n' music til you die"
Oh-my! At that moment we just about died! We tried to find a way to talk about it without letting the kids know we were listening in on their conversation. Thankfully, Britt is as outspoken as her mother is and she just came right out and asked us why we were singing the "F" word when we told them they couldn't say bad words.
"It's funnkkee music" I responded, trying hard not to laugh. With this, J spoke up and said, "so it's not the bad word?" "No J, it's not", Art says.
"Well then put it back on! I love that song, but I didn't want to hear it because I thought it was saying a bad word." Once again we were all dancing in our seats to the funky music.
~~~~
I have lost count of how many trips to California we have taken as a family. We have our special "driving music". Our favorite family band is Styx. What am I going to do without my children in the back seat?
Britt is now 20-years old, J is 18. It's not as if they are going to be helpless. I am sure they will be fine. After all, Britt doesn't even live at home and J, well--he's a pretty independent kid. He has been doing his own laundry since he was 11, he knows how to cook, and he can drive himself to and from school. Nevertheless, they are still my babies!
Like I said, I am torn between two lovers. I wasn't sure how to describe my feelings, but then earlier today, this stupid song popped into my head and I have been singing ever since.
Just a few days ago, we received word that J has been accepted to MMI (Motorcycle Mechanics Institute). He will be moving to Phoenix before the end of the year. I guess for me, this is practice.
Once again, the season is changing in the Ortiz household. If you're a parent of young children, cherish every moment. Don't wish away one minute, not even the diaper stage. It goes by all too quickly.
It's probably a good thing this song came to mind; otherwise, the title of this little ditty would have read something like…
"Hey mom, did you just sing the "F" word?"
Hello, Teresa. Loved the article. Yes, hang on to all those years. My grandbabies are now growing up all too quickly. Our youngest is 4 going on 15. He often announces I'll be five next then six and ten!"Great article. One of your previous articles influenced my latest--First Love____SandraHi Sandra, thanks for reading. I am in no hurry, but I am looking forward to grandbabies some day. What a blessing for you!I hope my influence was good....you make a girl curious :-)Lord bless you and yours!Teresa
Oh Teresa! I laughed and remembered our road trips. They are bittersweet memories that I wouldn't trade for anything, but I sure love that the kids are all grown up now. I hope empty nest (when that time comes) is as wonderful for you and Art as it is for Danny and me. The next chapter is really pretty good.Hi Lorrie, so glad you enjoyed the read and your memories. I think Art and I are going to do just fine when that day comes :-)We had an amazing time out last night. No kids, no maggots (dogs.)Now we are doing whatever whenever the rest of this week. I am excited for my mom, she is happy Art is here to remodel her kitchen. I just want to enjoy this week, it is going to be hard to leave even though I will be going home to the kids. Funny how quickly I adjusted. hee, hee.Blessings to you!Teresa
Teresa,You're going to love it when the kids are gone out of the house. Honestly! I thought I would have a bad case of "empty nest syndrome", but I didn't. Life is a lot more simple now; I actually have money left in my chequing account at the end of the month; when my wife and I go out to dinner, I only have to pay for two meals; I have more money to go on vacation and don't have to budget as much on what I spend for the vacation. Yea, I know, it sounds like it is all about money, but not really. Look at the extra rooms in the house I now have; one for an office, one for a sewing room, even a guest room.When the kids come home they can have the guest room. :-)Hi David, thanks so much for the encouragement. But I would have to say, it is all about the money. We didn't spend as much on the drive down as we normally do! ha!Have a great weekend!
hi t,ah, if someone would have only told me that my babies would grow up and leave home someday, or go into the air force! i was so busy caring for them, i forgot to look ahead.i enjoy the extra freedom, but i miss my 2 older kids.i wish i could afford a huge mansion, with several wings, and we could all live together.enjoy your time with your husband,my best regards,sueHi Sue,It's a good thing we do not know what the future holds, what would you have done to prevent your son from joining the airforce?My best friend from high school will seeing her son off later this week. He leaves for Iraq--he is in the special forces division of the air force. Add their family to your prayers!!We need to cherrish every moment!Blessings to you! t
Hi Teresa,
I'm so glad you got to go down with Art. You guys are fun!! The time away will be good for you. The kids grow up and leave, but if you're truly blessed (and I know you are) there will be grandkids someday. The empty house is fun, but then you turn around and it's filled with kids, sticky fingers, toys and laughter again. God is sooooo smart that He planned it that way! ; )
Lots and lots of love,
CathyHi Cathy,Thanks! I think you are right :-) I am in no hurry to be a gramma, but I know it will be great when that day comes!We are having a great time. Tonight we are going to meet our friends for Dinner. Please pray, as this will be a bitter-sweet evening. Our friends' son, Dean will be leaving for Iraq later this month. We will get to see him tonight. These are our best friends from high-school. Dean and Britt use to take naps in the same crib...God bless!! Teresa
Teresa,I am jealous. What I wouldn't give to be alone with my husband for 10 days! But I also see the other side of the coin. I don't where the time has gone and if I could give any advice to young parents, it would be to enjoy every moment with their children. The older you get, the faster it goes.Thanks for bringing back some fond memories and have a wonderful trip!NancyHi Nancy!Thanks for the well wishes, we are having a great time.It does go by way to fast. I am so glad this brought back fond memories for you.Blessings! Teresa
I can totally relate. As I spend the last week with my son as he gets ready to deploy, I wish I could still cuddle my 20 year old like when he was a baby. I can't believe so many years have gone by. It seems they go from kindergarten to teenagers over night. The kids will be fine but, will you?Hi Patti,I have tears in my eyes. We have been through the ringer a few times haven't we? But along with that fun and beautiful memories that continue to grow--27 years and counting...I can't wait to see you guys tonight. I can't help but think of Deano and Britt when they were little--I am so proud of Deano, and when he comes home, we will celebrate big time :-)Love you with every bit of my heart!Teresa
Hi Teresa,What a wonderful article. Keep writing.SwapnaHi Swapna,Thanks for reading, I am glad you enjoyed this story.God Bless you! Teresa
Teresa,I am submitting again for credit this time. But a second read was as good as the first!NancyHi Nancy, thanks for not skipping me :-)I do the same thing when I come across an article in the reader's club that I have already read and commented on.Have a fabulous weekend!Teresa
Teresa, what a great story teller you are....this was a great article, one of which I could totally identify with. I miss my kids dearly, and guess what, my oldest is 43!! The youngest son is 35, and my daughter is 34. Where does the time go to. I have grandchildren, and they are growing up so fast, and of course, we live in Tucson Arizona, and they live in California....I do miss them so. All of them. You are so right to say cherish those days of their being young, as time goes by so quickly.....I am very passionate with this article, as it hits the very core of my heart when it comes to my "kids". Thank you so much for this wonderful article, and what I like about your writing, is that you write about "Real Life", and I love it. Your fan, and friend in pen.....Gary.Thanks Gary! It means a lot to me to be able to stir good thoughts and emotions in my readers. Of course I know I also stir frustration as well, but I suppose that goes with the territory sometimes.It sounds like you have a wonderful family! Thanks for reading and for all the encouragement!God bless,Teresa
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