Oldest Daughter hasn't been around much this summer. She went to Maui for two weeks, worked a lot of hours at the Olive Garden, and has a boyfriend that takes up much of her time. Her absence from our lives this summer foreshadows what will be even more apparent after she moves into the dorm tomorrow.
She'll only be one town away, I go there nearly ever day for coffee, but she'll be starting a life that marks the beginning of being a grown up and that doesn't have much room in it for moms and dads.
The hardest thing for us this summer was letting her sleep over at her boyfriend's house. She's 18 and though I could surely give the whole "not while you live under my roof' speech I couldn't see the point. If I had her come home at 11 or 12pm would that mean she wouldn't be able to have sex? I'd rather know where she is than have her tell me she's sleeping over her girlfriend's house and going to the boyfriend's instead.
Ultimately, my job is now that of an advisor and at this age it doesn't mean much. I know it is supposed to get better and I've already had Son ask for my advice when two years ago he would have rather endure medieval torture.
She'll be home for holidays and school breaks but it won't be the same.
Meanwhile, the other two daughters are already discussing the use of the car and advising us on how to best spend the 'extra' money that we'll have now that their sister no longer lives at home.
Posted by bbarton at August 25, 2005 01:18 PMAl - Thanks for the sympathy and words of encouragement, darlin'! That's amazing about A...where does the time go? E is probably becoming quite the young lady too, eh?
Posted by: Bob on August 25, 2005 02:00 PMWise decision regarding the 'spending' the night situation. My handled it that same way and I turned out a-okay!
Posted by: kari on August 25, 2005 02:09 PMMy mom...that's what I meant to say...Mom
Posted by: kari on August 25, 2005 02:09 PMKari - thanks for the support. I figured that there must have been something after the My. ;)
Posted by: Bob on August 25, 2005 02:12 PMHave you "advised" her to seek employment at BNG? Imagine, you'd probably see her more than ever!
Posted by: David on August 25, 2005 06:07 PMWell, she's working two stores down from there so I'm sure I'll see her plenty. :)
Posted by: Bob on August 26, 2005 10:30 AM
Oh, sweetie! My sympathies! That "little girl" is definitely growing up...but I know she'll always reserve a special place in her heart for dear ol' Dad! On the other end of the spectrum...A's 1st day of kindergarten was today. He survived our parting with no problem...but we want them to be independent, right?
Posted by: al on August 25, 2005 01:27 PMPass the tissues...and have big fun spending your "extra" cash!!;)