Bulwarks

We are going on vacation. I've been buying light timers and planning on how to secure the house while we're gone. I've asked a friend to come by and check on the house every few days. The kids have been curious as to why I'm on this quest to batten down the house. We've never gone to such lengths while we're away. I guess the house is a manifestation of the new responsibility I feel. I'm in charge and if something happens I have to deal with it by myself. That burden is heavy. And the opposite does not follow. When something goes right, when I make the right choice or when the kids achieve something, the burden and responsibility are not lightened. It is just a reminder that I don't have someone to share that joy and pride with.