March 31, 2005
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Well, it took nearly a year and a half, but for the first time since we
adopted Dmitry, I've had cause to wonder where he was and stand
anxiously on the porch, peering into the darkness.Taylor had been over, along with some other boy, and when they left Dmitry went with them, saying "I'm going outside, Mom."
Fine. No problem. Assumed they'd stand or sit on the porch
and continue their in-depth, mostly ignorant discussion of the PSP.An hour later it's dark and I haven't a clue where
he is. I know Taylor lives in the apartments across the street,
but don't know which one. I could probably locate his phone
number on one of the phones' Caller ID records, but rather disliked to
do that. Not unless it was necessary.Don shrugged it off, pointing out he's 14 1/2 years old, for crying out
loud, and he's seen Taylor be over here until 8 p.m. or so, therefore
Dmitry's doubtless just enjoying himself by visiting Taylor's home and
playing his games for a change.And such turned out to be the case. At 8:05 or so Dmitry strolled
in, happily bearing three borrowed PS2 games, and in an excellent mood.Of course, I know it's nice he's finally visited a friend's home . . . such a normal thing
for a boy to do! But it was much less wearing on the nerves
always knowing exactly where he was. Don says, "Let go, Anne."Let GO?
But I just got him.
Comments (5)
It is awful letting go. I remember the day Jason went to school on the school bus for the first time. He was so short his little legs wouldn't lift high enough to climb in, so the Kelly twins, those much admired 5th graders, got one on each side of him and helped him up. And then the bus ate my kid.
That's how I felt. I imagine letting Dmitry explore the neighborhood on his own is much the same feeling. They survive, even if we feel like we won't!
BIG hugs!
me<><
Well,, yes, let go...but know where he is.
Believe me, I intend to have a talk with him about the difference between saying he's going to be outside and him going to someone else's home for an hour.
This is likely to be one of those "Russian" moments, however, as Russian children have a lot of freedom compared to American kids. It tends to be one of the most difficult things for Russian teens who move here (because of their mother marrying an American man, for instance) to get accustomed to. It's not uncommon in Russia for 12 year olds to go out and not return until ten o'clock or even midnight in the summer!
Gee, I didn't know that. Sigh. I'm sure you'll handle it better than I would, Anne.
Aaaaaccckkkk!! And I've hollered at the boys for not calling if they couldn't make it home by 5:30!!! Ten o'clock or midnight and I'd be a basket case!!
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