Legacy of the Dreams

Chapter 124 - The Concerns of Daughters

Saturday evening after supper, the day before Passover began, Greg made it a point to spend extra time with Julie. He wondered at the comments Alan made earlier, and he found himself trying to decide for himself if Julie really was struggling. These days when it came to time spent worrying about daughters, it was Melody who generally occupied Greg's thoughts rather than Julie. But Greg knew his eldest daughter wasn't immune to troubles in her life. She too had become attached to Melody. Given the number of years that separated them by age, Greg supposed it was relatively rare for such sisters to become close. And yet, Julie had made it a point to get to know Melody from the beginning. From the first day of her life, Julie strove to be a presence in her life. She got to know Melody as best she could and it was clear Julie loved her. Was it so surprising she was concerned about her now? Greg thought not, but his suspicions were confirmed when his conversation with Julie became a conversation between Julie, Melody, and himself. This particular conversation wasn't about anything particularly memorable, but as the evening wore on, Greg began to feel for that reason alone, it was.

"I'm sorry to disturb you," Susan said, interrupting the three. "Melody, it's time for your bath and then bed."

"Okay," Melody agreed.

Julie smiled. "Come tell me good night before you go to bed."

"Okay Julie. Bath time, Papa," Melody announced to Greg.

Greg smiled too. "Enjoy your bath. I would also like to say goodnight before you go to bed."

Melody grinned at them both before running after Susan.

"She is such a happy little thing," Julie remarked.

"Generally, she is," Greg agreed. He watched Julie carefully. "Do you miss your children, Julie?"

"Yes and no. I know Jake will be here tomorrow, so that will help. But he is nearly grown, Dad ... like Aaron I suppose. He is looking forward to leading his own life. He doesn't need me so much anymore," Julie lamented. "He just rolls his eyes when I suggest I should tuck him into bed."

"It is the goal of every parent to see their offspring grow to adulthood," Greg reminded her. "I understand that for mothers especially, it can be a bittersweet experience. I know your mother felt that way when Alan finally left home."

"So what you are telling me is, it's natural to feel this way," Julie said.

"Yes, I believe it is," Greg said.

Julie furrowed her brow slightly.

"What are you thinking?" Greg prompted.

"That when Alan left, it was different. I don't think he needed Mom any less when he moved away. I know I didn't when I moved away... but things did change," Julie said.

"Things do, once ones children become adults. However, they are still family. The dynamics change but our love for them never fades," Greg said. "Now it is your turn to go through the process a second time, this time as the parent when your own children leave home. Remember, they still need you, just as you needed your own mother for as long as she was alive, just as you need me, but you will miss them. I understand, believe me. If there is anything I can do to support you as you go through it, I will."

Julie smiled. "How did you get to be so wise?"

"By living many, many years," Greg told her.

"You are not that old!" Julie protested.

Greg cocked his head. "All things considered, I do have several centuries' worth of experience to draw from."

Julie blinked in a way that reminded Greg eerily of Melody.