So, my oldest is off on the next chapter of her life, her first adventure as an adult. The past few months have been leading up to Sunday’s hugs goodbye, but the unfilled space will still take some time to get used to.
Despite several promising interviews, a job locally failed to manifest, so when a family friend offered to hook her up with a room and opportunities in Healdsburg, Chelsea decided to go. A baby step, really — not like she’s off to Zimbabwe or Instanbul or New York City. But 200 miles is still a leap away. And as milestones do, this one prompts review of my life; in this case, my mothering record with all its successes and failures.
(Cue “I Stand Here Ironing” by Tillie Olsen)
This afternoon, I will help Kaylee organize the room that is now solely hers — the first time she’s ever had her own room — albeit with significant Chelsea-chaos left behind. Chelsea told K to feel free to rummage through the debris. K’s been wearing a pair of formerly beloved jeans of Chelsea’s since. Is she happy to have her own room? The question is greeted with a shrug and, “I’m going to miss her.”
Me, too.
early morning fog, partial clearing 
Sigh……..My daughter finally broke down into tears today. She is leaving day after tomorrow. She held it in for so long. I’m sure her mother and I will boo hoo on the ride back from Portland.
My boys are getting to the age, too. I’m going to have a hard time saying, “goodbye.”
Ya got me choked up, Jen. I’m sorry I haven’t gotten to talk to you much at work as of late. We’ll have to catch up, soon.
One thing I do know is that as awesome as Chelsea thinks it is to be gone, she also knows she still has a safety net back home.
Man, Shauna and Chelsea leaving town within a week of each other… two of my favorite friends’ kids. What to do…
Aw, thanks. She’s loving Healdsburg so far. No steady job yet, but plenty of babysitting, which, surprisingly, she seems to be enjoying just fine.
Somehow i missed the point. Probably lost in translation 🙂 Anyway … nice blog to visit.
cheers, Kindling.