Okay, that whole three is a crowd thing is not always the case, but, when it comes to Ming, Ants and me together now,
it
just
doesn’t
work!
There are lots of reasons for this, of course, where generational differences are made stark and raw and plain:
Ming: Mum, stop answering for Dad; let him talk!
Me: Why do you have to be so angry with me all the time!
Anthony: Stop it, you two.
Ming: He’s dribbling.
Me: (whispering) Shut up, Ming and stop embarrassing him!
Ming:(shouting) Dad, stick your tongue back in your mouth!
Anthony: (sarcastically sticking his tongue out then into his mouth) That better?
Now, the misery of this kind of three-pronged visit has been alleviated by the fact that Ming now has his own wheels again and can visit Anthony without me (as he did today and will do tomorrow because I have a cold). It is a relief to know that my absence for a couple of days is probably forgotten in the wake of Ming’s enormity of presence in Anthony’s life, mostly hallucinated or remembered but now, once again, real.
There are so many reasons why a now-20-year-old son, adored always by his mother and father, might get a little tired of the adoration at some stage and then, when the father began to get disease after disease, miss the adoration, and maybe feel a bit lost in the mayhem of his parents’ anxiety, his mother’s exhaustion, his father’s demise from workaholic dairy farmer (when Ming was born) to Parkinson’s disease patient in nursing home.
Ming starts his full-time job at the restaurant and said he will visit Ants after he knocks off tomorrow, so I can have a second day in bed, reading my book and getting over my cold.
I guess Ming and Ants have a relationship that works better if I am absent. Amen.
jmgoyder 
I have noticed a different dynamic when certain family members are together in my presence. Much prefer them separate so I can enjoy them better. You’re not alone!
Yes! So hard at the moment with Ming but will be okay – thanks Jennifer
Yes — you are not alone. And always, you are loving and kind and compassionate and caring. What a gift you are dear Julie.
I also have a bit of a temper with Ming sometimes!
I see the same thing when my 23 year old daughter is with me and my husband. Something about the triangle that causes tension. Much easier when it’s just two together. This too, I think, will pass.
Glad it’s not just us!
Things will improve with Ming someday, Julie. He is so typical of a kid – you are the target of his anger and frustration because he feels safe expressing himself to you. Sigh… the joys of parenthood. Even though this has been painful, I’m glad that you are seeing it as an opportunity to pull back and rest. It’s good you are writing; please know you are not alone. Feel my hug!
It’s so much better now that Ming has his independence back!
Chicken noodle soup might help with the cold. I noticed that at certain points during the kids lives that the dynamic between their father and themselves worked better when I wasn’t there. It was weird in the beginning then I learned to embrace it and enjoy my peace and quiet. Funny how family’s develop and change and then change back again.
Yes the dynamics are interesting the way they shift.
🙂
It is good to spend time together and apart. It’s healthy
Yes, you are right.
I hope you feel better soon. Take care!
I am very wimpy when sick.
Jules…even without the added stress and burdens place on your ménage…it’s this way with most kids and their parents. The dynamic changes so much over the years…first mom, then mom and dad, then dad, then (neither) for a while…it’s never easy, yours made even less so…but hang in kiddo…he’s still a great kid (boy-man) who’ll figure it all out with the help of your patience and unstaggering support. xoxo
Yes, and it’s bound to improve now he is working full-time!
Well done for being so philosophical, I hope your cold goes quickly.
So do I!
Enjoy your well earned rest.
I have read four books in two days!
At least Anthony has visitors all the time.
True.
Feel better. And there is something oddly normal about the change in dynamics when it goes from 2 of you to 3 of you.
Glad it’s normal.
i hope by now you are feeling a bit better. yes, as the others have commented, dynamics change as people are mixed with various characters.
it must be difficult for ming to see his father deteriorating from the man he knew as a child to the man he sees now. this would however have happened at this stage of their lives.
i send you healing, loving thoughts and big hugs:) of course if you still have that cold hugs are “air” hugs, hahaha
Thanks Sandra!
Julie, another helpful post for me. Thanks so much.
Oh good!
…more adjustments.
Yes.
You write so beautifully! Get better soon!!!!
Thanks Tersia.