There is such an empty sadness that fills your home when children whose laughter and shouts of anger have left the hallowed halls. When as a parent you are lucky to receive a text message from your child who used to speak real words to you daily and smile at you like they meant it, not to mention whisper words of love; that these children had the audacity to actually grow up and continue on with their lives, leaving you somewhere behind. And I am so proud, but I am also so invested, letting go is definitely not in the mother’s manual of learning how to cut the cord, because there isn’t one.
I was a teenage mother who graduated high school six months pregnant. The whole of my life has been my family. My first born daughter was an only child for six years; her father and I were still quite young and considered her being our only until her little sister and brother decided to join her. (You would have to speak to their counselors to decide if they are happy with the way things turned out.) But darn-nit – that used to be a word of profanity I believe – this is about me and how hurt my heart has become in their departures and growth into amazing people. (And as far as I know, they don’t have counselors, but then, I am only their mama, madre, mommo, monster. They were never allowed to call me by my given name.)
So you can imagine my extreme distress and shock when these beautiful children sat me down over their spring vacation, yet again, for a domestic device intervention. A meeting of their sibling minds that I had a damaging affiliation with Roomba, an appliance and fostered-child-robot vacuum of mine they were seriously considering removing from my home. How could they be so unkind, do they not have internet withdrawals, data deprivation and all consuming smart-phone obsessions?
I believe it went something like this – with me sitting at the same table, like I wasn’t even there – (I’m surprised they even voiced their thoughts out loud when they could have just texted each other while in the same room.)
“I think it’s time we got her something else.”
“Yea, I agree.”
“It’s embarrassing. She needs something different to talk about.”
And then they spoke about different objects they could purchase to end my fixation, but who or better yet what would clean my floors? These three little pieces of amazing-ness (not a word) surely weren’t going to do it.
So spring break is over, Roomba and I stare out the window wondering where all the time has gone, when next my sweet ornery munchkins will return and the endless cycle continue. The immense joy at having your home again filled with their bubbling presence – only to have it end, equally as painful – as the first time they drove away with packed bags in the back of their cars. The tail-lights waving good bye and a mom’s tears and prayers that they understand just how much it is that a mother and her robotic device can love them.
Find Love, Be peace, Vacuum on. Send Sunshine.
upliftingquotesdaily.com 
Lol. I love this post. I have to admit, I love my Roomba also. Isn’t it great? That was the best invention ever. It can be a little loud and annoying at times but other then that, I am obsessed with it. I get upset when she (yes we call it a she -lol) gets stuck under the sofa or near the coffee table. She is now a part of the family. 😊
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I agree, long live our Roombas! Much <3!
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Lol. Yes!
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Ha! I want a Roomba
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She can be a quirky girl! Hah!
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Our cat would hate it but they seem so fun!
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Did you see my cat-Roomba post, they seem to love them!
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Yeah I don’t know about my Jimmy. He is a scarrety cat when it comes to noise!
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Oh’ Jimmy, momma needs a new toy.
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I don’t have a Roomba but it really does sound great!! Never let go!!!! Great post! 🙂
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Thanks Lisa!
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What an incredibly sweet story! Even though I was an Old Mom (had The Child at 39; barely made it!) I share your feelings about the cord never ever being cut. In fact, I recently wrote about just that, in this piece where I describe what it’s like to be a ‘Yo Yo Ma’. I hope I’m not being dreadfully rude by sharing it. I honestly think you’d enjoy it, and relate: http://alicewhitmoresblog.com/on-being-a-yo-yo-ma/
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Loved it! Thank you!
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Reblogged this on Wade Lancaster.
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Your the best ! Thank you Wade!
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Our cat Trouble wants a Roomba – and won’t wait until next Friday! …Love the ‘Vacuum Up’ parting phrase. Reminds me of Captain Kirk’s ‘Beam me up Scotty!’ in Star Trek 🙂 Leigh
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Trouble, I like that. My name for all cats, what personality!
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Trouble’s predecessor Rambo would’ve loved roaming on Rambo’s Roomba looking for a rumble 🙂
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My fear personified, alas, I am a no cat girl. Roomba will thank me, but I might pay to see Rambo on someone else’s I-Robot. Hah!
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Not sure a roomba will work for me.. very old 600 yr cottage and lots of corners and steps…I’m very jealous. One of my children is left here. So i shall take comfort in that.
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I am hoping there will be a Rosie available- aka “Jetsons” style soon for us all! 🙂 Much <3!
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“darn-nit”??? such potty mouth.
hehehehehehehehehehehehehe
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I thought so! 🙂
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LMAO
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Love this post. Is your Roomba that great?
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Indeed, I hade to admit it, I used to be in love with Dyson, but then along came Roomba! She’s just missing that English accent. 🙂
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Also I should call my mom more often
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We are silly creatures who sometimes just love to hear our son’s voice. Have a great week!
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Love love LOVE this piece!
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Thank you! <3!
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My pleasure :))
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Reblogged this on momentarylapseofsanity.
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You have been nominated.Check this…https://bepositiveyaroon.wordpress.com/2015/07/21/premio-dardos-award/
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Thank you! http://wp.me/p50Xlw-9qu
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I do not love my vacuum but I must admit my ride on lawn mower is quite something else. What you need to do is have a special box at the front door with a sign that says, “All mobile phones and Iphones and laptops must be checked in now. These devices will be returned when you leave. Have a nice visit.”
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😆
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