Meet The Families
“It's a lonely life I live and I live this life to go… And if I leave you with one thing it's just that I want
You to know…
I'll still be loving you tonight.”
--Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull from the song “Still Loving You Tonight” from the album Catfish Rising.
Kind of hard, I am sure, to meet the parents.
Any new relationship has various peaks and valleys, and trust me; I have discovered that fairly quickly for the last three years.
I either have to protect myself or protect others. I suppose a protective attitude is very Batman-esque, but one must remember that Batman is a “character.”
Two months ago, Jen met my parents. We had a great time at a lunch when the folks landed, and then we had an even better/closer time at Medici’s. Jen was very gracious for the opportunity.
I met her father and mother about three months after we dated when Jen moved into her new home and we had an “after moving” dinner of Pizza and beverages. They were kind to me and very welcoming.
Two weeks ago, Jen’s grandfather passed away and I met the family at an after-service dinner. I met cousins, uncles, aunts, brothers-in-law, and assorted folks somehow related to Jen. It was very nerve-racking prior to my arriving in the car as I imagined every mondo-bizzaro scenario possible, but it turned out quite pleasant and quite nice.
This weekend, Jen invited me for dinner with her closest friends. We dined on Mexican delights (Steak Fajita Quesada’s) from La Pordillos in town.
So now I wait for the approval nod from the friends.
Jen has met Mike McG., a gentleman I work with at the school who is among my closest friends. It seems wherever we go, like last night, Jen meets someone who is a current student, a former student, a current parent, a former parent, an associate, or a neighborhood friend of mine.
Karma is a great thing because I am fairly decent to all and they give me compliments. The kids get extra-credit for saying nice junk or if their parents do so, of course. Hey, it is only fair.
The only weird thing is at times I feel like I am in a situation comedy; and I have a feeling Jen does as well.
You know, you walk into somewhere at watch the chance awkward moments; like if the former wife shows up at a gathering you have been invited to.
Let me tell you, the hilarity prevails.
That last line was sarcasm, for those not in the know.
Still we manage to enjoy the company, accept the compliments, and deal with the rediscovery of meeting someone anew.
I am reminded of an episode of NYPD Blues when Medavoy is talking to Kelly about divorce and Kelly tells Greg that he decided that the only way he could be happy again was to divorce Laurie. Kelly admitted the divorce was difficult and he lost sleep over it and wondered quite a bit, but in the end, he made the right choice.
I remember at the time I watched it thinking nothing really particular about it. It must have made an impression on me, though, because I so clearly remember that scene.
Eleven years later, it makes perfect sense.
--Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull from the song “Still Loving You Tonight” from the album Catfish Rising.
Kind of hard, I am sure, to meet the parents.
Any new relationship has various peaks and valleys, and trust me; I have discovered that fairly quickly for the last three years.
I either have to protect myself or protect others. I suppose a protective attitude is very Batman-esque, but one must remember that Batman is a “character.”
Two months ago, Jen met my parents. We had a great time at a lunch when the folks landed, and then we had an even better/closer time at Medici’s. Jen was very gracious for the opportunity.
I met her father and mother about three months after we dated when Jen moved into her new home and we had an “after moving” dinner of Pizza and beverages. They were kind to me and very welcoming.
Two weeks ago, Jen’s grandfather passed away and I met the family at an after-service dinner. I met cousins, uncles, aunts, brothers-in-law, and assorted folks somehow related to Jen. It was very nerve-racking prior to my arriving in the car as I imagined every mondo-bizzaro scenario possible, but it turned out quite pleasant and quite nice.
This weekend, Jen invited me for dinner with her closest friends. We dined on Mexican delights (Steak Fajita Quesada’s) from La Pordillos in town.
So now I wait for the approval nod from the friends.
Jen has met Mike McG., a gentleman I work with at the school who is among my closest friends. It seems wherever we go, like last night, Jen meets someone who is a current student, a former student, a current parent, a former parent, an associate, or a neighborhood friend of mine.
Karma is a great thing because I am fairly decent to all and they give me compliments. The kids get extra-credit for saying nice junk or if their parents do so, of course. Hey, it is only fair.
The only weird thing is at times I feel like I am in a situation comedy; and I have a feeling Jen does as well.
You know, you walk into somewhere at watch the chance awkward moments; like if the former wife shows up at a gathering you have been invited to.
Let me tell you, the hilarity prevails.
That last line was sarcasm, for those not in the know.
Still we manage to enjoy the company, accept the compliments, and deal with the rediscovery of meeting someone anew.
I am reminded of an episode of NYPD Blues when Medavoy is talking to Kelly about divorce and Kelly tells Greg that he decided that the only way he could be happy again was to divorce Laurie. Kelly admitted the divorce was difficult and he lost sleep over it and wondered quite a bit, but in the end, he made the right choice.
I remember at the time I watched it thinking nothing really particular about it. It must have made an impression on me, though, because I so clearly remember that scene.
Eleven years later, it makes perfect sense.
posted by Eric Sweetwood at 5:28 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home