Another day of hard work had come to an end as I slowly drove the gravel road
to home. Like the other countless evenings of being tired yet accomplished, I glance up at the tree-house hidden under the camouflage. But this time a feeling came over me, much different than before. For years the playful chatter and laughter could be heard from within the sturdy structure.
One day, "Mission to base", echoed from a walkie-talkie and brought a big smile to my face. Being an Air-force man, I can appreciate communicating with the Control Tower. But on this particular evening, I heard nothing and it struck me; the tree-house for the first time, seemed so vacant. It was right at the very moment, I realized from the "Dad" perspective; that chapter of their lives was over.
The kids have been preparing for college all month. Packing, shopping for supplies and visiting the dorms filled their days. Their childhoods are now behind them. Yes I know they all have bright futures ahead of them and I'm happy about that, but I can't help feeling nostalgic as I recall their adolescence. Somewhat selfishly I suppose, I began mourning the loss of living vicariously through them in a sense. The very essence of the tree-house was brought about from my own inner child. So what will become of it now that the kids are grown.
Well a couple weeks have passed since that moment came over me (empty-nesting from a man's point of view.) But as another day's work came to an end, I approached home. I opened the door of my truck, lo and behold that familiar sound filled the air. Voices and laughter from five or six boyscouts had infiltrated the tree-house. It was an uplifting feeling to say the least. The next generation had arrived to enjoy that hideaway I had built.
A tree-house should be a staple in every kid's life. It's a place for their imagination to flourish, to hide or seek refuge from childhood dramas, regardless how unimportant they seem to grown-ups. Providing kids with a safe, well-constructed place to call their very own is a great way for them learn independence as they grow. One day when they move on, whether into a college dorm or their first home of their own they will take the tree-house experience with them.
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