Table Set For One
Aunts & Nephews
I didn’t always live alone.
I grew up in a home with a mom, dad and sister. Then there were college roommates, the boyfriend, after college roommates and now of course Max .. do you count your dog? In between there was living alone .. which can be quite wonderful and no more lonely than living with people.
Last week I said good bye to a special roommate, my nephew Scott. Scott moved in with me and Max last March when his job took him from Boston to Atlanta. I must admit I had a few concerns about sharing a house with a 21-year old.
However, more often than not, life takes you down roads unexpected. The year with Scott was a delight. It was fun sharing day-to-day living, watching the Food Network, playing with Max, just hanging out. It was fun getting to know Scott as a young man making his way in the world. It was fun setting the table for two.
Scott is off on a new adventure, as it should be when one is 22. And although I am excited for him to begin a new chapter in his life I was surprised at the roller coaster-ing of my emotions from happy to sad.
For those of you who are moms these feeling might be expected when your son or daughter goes off to college or moves away from home. However, for a long distance aunt who saw her niece and nephew on holidays and special trips ‘home’ the intensity was unexpected. At least for me. It was like a little piece of my heart was gone.
However, my friend Polli knew what the day might hold for me. That afternoon these arrived .. 
from one aunt to another. Daisies are such happy flowers.
Now it’s Max and me once more. A table for one is not necessarily lonely. Just different. Looking at the happy daises, I can’t help but think .. perhaps it’s time for my next life adventure too!
Graphic credit: pixbox77 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
About the Author
Toby Bloomberg Has Written 30 Articles For Us!
Toby is Founder/President of Atlanta-based strategy and social media consultancy, Bloomberg Marketing/Diva Marketing and acknowledged by Forbes as one of the country’s most foremost bloggers. She is a widely recognized for her expertise in combining social media with traditional marketing values (strategy, customer insights, segmentation, etc.) while maintaining the authenticity of digital conversations. Toby recently wrote the first business book based on (40) Twitter interviews with marketing pros. Social Media Marketing GPS has been downloaded over 10,000 times by people all the world.
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Too bad he’s not a tad older, Toby. I have a daughter… 🙂 The good news is you’ll visit him and keep your bond going.
Great post Toby…nice to capture these moments in writing (and photos) to help us hold onto them even tighter.
How thoughtful of Polli to send flowers and how true about roots and wings!
Marianne – And nice to share the moments with friends who care and can understand. Thanks for your kind words.
What a lovely reflection on the last year. Scott will always remember this year with you(and Maxie). Remember too what everyone needs in life- roots and wings. You gave Scott both. I can’t wait to see what your next adventure is….
Polli – What a wonderful way of framing what all people need in life .. roots and wings. And one more .. *girl)friends like you!
Toby,
Sweet post and how lovely to have had Scott with you and help him on his path. I don’t doubt there will be more people at your table and more adventures in the making.
I often eat alone and always set the table for myself. And just in case, there is usually enough for two! Surprising how often that happens.
Rebecca
Rebecca – I must thank you for sharing some of your wonderful recipes that have been and will sure to be part of sharing my “table.” Yes, setting a pretty table for 1 or for many is part of the experience.
What a poignant post, Toby. I’m so glad you and Scott got to share such special time together! Keep us posted on your next adventure … BTW, great picture of Scott and Max.
Thanks Sybil. It was a special time!
Thanks for this lovely piece Toby. I’m an aunt too, who loves her niece and nephews, and I can imagine how lovely it would be to have one of them around full-time. But the leaving, even for such a happy reason, is sure to be emotional.
I do indeed count my dog, Benny, and the cat. :>) And I do think you’re soon to be off on your next adventure. Just saying out loud that it’s time has set you on the path. We’ll be right there with you.
B.L. – Thanks for your “auntie” comment and your support. Wonderful to know that my girlfriends are here for each other and understand.