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Kathy, Im lost. I said, though I knew you were sleeping. I’m empty and aching, and I don’t know why.
Sometimes this Simon and Garfunkel line goes through my mind, over and over again. It moves me, these few simple, raw words. Last night, they were swimming through my mind as the boys and I were getting ready for bed. I kissed my babes all goodnight, after wiggling Harry’s tooth a dozen times. He was sure it was ready to come out, I was sure it was not. I kissed them all, said prayers. Then I came downstairs and listened to Simon and Garfunkel in the quiet, semi dark. Chris was out of town, and it was just me. The song, “America” turns my heart inside out. I don’t know why… It stirs the marrow of my bones. Makes my heart ache and bleed out of me.
Kathy, Im lost. I said, though I knew you were sleeping. I’m empty and aching, and I don’t know why.
I never really thought about it much before, but it may be that I really relate the duality of the lyrics. Here he is, going along, enjoying his life. Loving his adventure. But, also. When it’s quiet, and it’s safe, and no one can really hear… He can admit the other truth. The simultaneous truth.
Kathy, Im lost. I said, though I knew you were sleeping. I’m empty and aching, and I don’t know why.
Harry came down the stairs, grinning. Blood on his fingers. Proudly holding his square white tooth in his hand. I looked at his sweet face and tears spilled out of my eyes. He’s so beautiful, so unbearably beautiful. Funny, and silly, and irresistible. Now his smile will never be the same. With that front baby tooth gone, his impish smile will begin the inevitable change. His adult teeth will come in, his face will mature, and he will grow up. It makes me ache, and laugh, and weep all at once. “It’s okay, Mom.” He wrapped his arms around me and hugged me tight. “I know. You don’t want me to grow up. You love me so much, and want me to stay little.” Yes. You’re right. I want you to stay little. But I love watching you grow. I love hearing you read. Seeing you play and be silly. Watching your love for math and drawing blossom. I’m so full of love for you, I can’t hold it all in. I burst into tears when you pull out a tooth, I love you so. But also… Sometimes…
I’m empty and aching, and I don’t know why.
