The longest time

I have this child who's heart is bigger than his ability to cope with the world around him. He's funny, he's smart, he's got the strength of an oak tree and the frailness of a flower. It's been such a long summer. He's had to say good bye to too many people in his life. Just when I think we are past the tears something sparks a memory. It was Sponge Bob a few days ago. He cried for a good hour. Then, it occurred to him that a promised phone call wasn't made on the date promised. He called and was in tears for a few hours. I am so frustrated! If he was younger I would cut him off from the source of the pain. I am the gate keeper at my house, right? But he's old enough to pick up the phone and call or turn on the computer and send an email. Now what? Today he saw someone with a loved one at church and tears rolled down his face. He really is feeling abandoned and I'm running out of band aids. I've stopped saying anything. I just reach over and hug his shoulders and hand him a tissue. When will this end? When will we move past it? When will his little heart heal? Not soon enough. Scott and Shelbi leave tomorrow for Chicago.