I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Off-Topic => Off-Topic: Talk about anything you want. => Topic started by: paris on April 19, 2008, 05:49:42 AM

Title: Packing today
Post by: paris on April 19, 2008, 05:49:42 AM
I knew this day was coming for a couple of months, but that doesn't make it easier.  AlohaBeth starts her journey to move to Yosemite tomorrow.  She'll be there at least 8 months.  I am very excited for her. It will be a great adventure.  After being in Hawaii for a year, she was ready to come home, but I knew it wouldn't be long before she found her next thing to cross off her "to-do" list.  My dining room is filled with her stuff and we are starting to pack the car.  We will drive to Ohio to my sister's first, then to Indiana to meet up with Beth's friend and they will drive across country together.  Another "to-do" to check off the list!   The past 3 years has shown her that you don't wait until tomorrow to do things---you may never have the chance.     But, I will miss having her with me.  We have so much fun together.  We enjoy the same movies, books, sense of humor, dancing in the kitchen, just being silly.  She makes me laugh.  But, I also will live vicariously and enjoy her explorations and adventures.     I might need a shoulder to cry on in the next couple of weeks and lots of tissues for the tears!       Meunuk, you know she looks up to you and all you have done; so you have give her stength and support!     Thank you all for accepting Beth on this site.  She will be checking in and putting her  :twocents; in (especially on the Obama thread!)  Say an extra prayer for a safe trip---you know I will be worried!
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: Meinuk on April 19, 2008, 06:19:14 AM
Paris,

I never got a chance to have a road trip with my mother.  You both have so many memories still yet to come.  And I can't wait to hear all about them.

I am cat sitting at a friend's apartment, and this morning, after a 6am phone call from London.  (They don't really care about the time difference, when the kids want to speak to me, they are persistant!)   Then one of the cats decided that if I was stirring, it was open season, so I was out of bed, and I sent Beth an early morning "Happy Birthday" e-mail.  And now, after two cups of coffee, I can post a "Happy Road" trip post!

I know that it is sad packing, and knowing that physically you'll be apart- but one thing I've realised is that you are never really alone, shared memories will always comfort, and the future really is wide open.  I've been reading Beth's Blog and I'm so proud of her. I can only imagine how you feel. 

My experience is that whenever I am off on an adventure, I carry those that I love with me.  I look at people, places and things that I encounter and mentally describe what I am experienceing to them.  My family has always treated me as a sort of roving ambassador/computer trouble shooter, because no matter how far I stray, I always come home, with so many stories to tell and I am only a phone call away.  When I was living in Russia, we only had one weekly phone call, so I wrote some epic letters home, that one day, morphed into a manuscript- one day, I'll edit it all.  But that is for another day - I have adventures still yet to come.  I am so grateful that my family encourages and supports me, and my crazy flights of fancy.

I know how empty it will seem while Beth is away, but she'll be home soon (time flies), and her life will be so much fuller - you give her the strength, love and freedom to be able to explore this world, and a home to always come back to.

Love,

Anna

 
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: xtrememoosetrax on April 19, 2008, 08:17:37 AM
Thinking of you, Paris  :cuddle;
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: monrein on April 19, 2008, 08:24:51 AM
Sounds like a great adventure for AlohaBeth and it's so nice that you two are close.  You'll miss her for sure but vicarious living is quite a nice thing.
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: okarol on April 19, 2008, 08:32:45 AM
I admire Beth for her adventurous spirit! Paris, you are a great mom to encourage her! My sister's 2 kids are in their 30's and still live at home, working part time. I can't imagine that it will ever change! My brother in law said "Maybe we should just move and not tell them." But he seems content to have them home too. My wish is that my kids go see the world. Jenna has been a loner for a long time, and she is just now beginning to say that she's tired of not having anyone to hang out with (besides her family, of course) and that is a first! I hope she finds something that inspires her like Beth has. I am happy Beth will be in California - maybe I can visit her when I take Johnny up to skate camp north of Fresno at the end of July. Please tell her she is welcome to come stay with us anytime, and if she needs anything at all - to please call me! I know it's tough on you Paris, wish I could give you a big {{{HUG}}}!
 :cuddle;
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: monrein on April 19, 2008, 08:49:54 AM
What a nice post Karol.  I think the greatest gift parents can give their kids is the psychological permission to get out there and live life to the fullest.  Illness (of parent or child)can interfere with that but both Paris and you seem to have gotten it really right IMO.  Lucky kids.
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: rose1999 on April 19, 2008, 10:06:12 AM
Paris you know we are here with the shoulders to cry on and the boxes of tissues when you need us   :cuddle;
Beth, safe journey, please  try to find time to drop in from time to time and tell us how you are getting on and all the exciting things you are doing.
I've always admired both of you, the things you do and the way you are both getting on with your lives is wonderful to witness, thank you for sharing your lives with us.
Sending lots of love to both of you  :grouphug; and my special bunny too  :bunny:
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: thegrammalady on April 19, 2008, 10:11:09 AM
even though you will miss her, she will turn up again!  have a wonderful road trip. any chance you're coming through colorado????
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: boxman55 on April 19, 2008, 10:39:20 AM
Moving to Yosemite, wow how cool. What are her plans does she have a job in the park or in the town of Mariposa? That whole area is outstanding. Wish her the best...Boxman
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: Sluff on April 19, 2008, 11:58:46 AM
I'm sorry that this parting is sad for one and happy for the other. It's a tough one and Paris you know we are here for you. I am already feeling the pressure of knowing that after Josh's senior year he will be heading off to the Army and I'm trying to get prepared early. I depend on him way to much and when he wants to do his own thing and not what I want I get angry, a selfish act maybe but it's how I feel. I don't know how I'll feel then it is a year away yet. You and AB were able to do something very special together with the kidney walk and I'm sure those memories alone will sustain you, and I'm sure many tears both sad and happy will be shed, but remember it is only miles, that is all. Miles alone can not affect the bond you have. AB is lucky to have such a wonderful mother and you are very lucky to have such a generous and loving daughter. Thank you both so much for sharing your lives with us. I know you both will be here as a way of connecting and we want to hear how you are doing Paris and we want to hear about all your adventure's AB, well almost all of them... ;) 

I love you both and look forward to your posts.
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: Bajanne on April 19, 2008, 12:04:12 PM
As a mother who has a very close relationship with her daughter, I totally understand what you are going through.  My caring thoughts and prayers are with you both.  :grouphug;  Beth is a pretty marvellous young lady.  I know you are proud of the caring and selfless person that she is.  Thank God for technology in these days that allows us to be so far and yet so near!  Looking forward to hearing about her adventures.
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: Ohio Buckeye on April 19, 2008, 02:08:01 PM
Oh Paris, I will be thinking of you both.
My shoulder is here for you if you need it.
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: Sunny on April 19, 2008, 03:01:07 PM
You have raised a loving and wonderful daughter. Distance will not be able to separate you.
This is a great opportunity for her and she is lucky to have you as a mother because you are so understanding.
She will love Yosemite, it is one of my favorite places in California.
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: kitkatz on April 19, 2008, 03:11:26 PM
Both of my daughter's left home within a month of each other three years ago.  It was difficult. Now they are fine.  You have email and letters and the phone.  I am sure she will be in constant contact with you. From one Mom to another Mom  :grouphug; :grouphug;.


What will she be doing at Yosemite?
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: Romona on April 19, 2008, 08:07:44 PM
I would love to be able to travel and experience new things. My husband was in the Army for a few years and has no desire to travel. Good Luck Beth. And  :cuddle; to you Paris.
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: AlohaBeth on April 19, 2008, 08:08:05 PM
I will be working and living at the Evergreen Lodge in Groveland with two other friends from my time in Hawaii.  I am incredibly excited - but saying bye to people is so hard - but noone as hard as my Mom.  I know I depend too much on her - but she is my best friend and I love her so much...  We laugh at the same stupid things and cry at the same sappy movies.  We share books and clothes.  We understand each other so much - and with everything going on it is really hard to leave -- but then she is the first to remind me that I need to do this for myself, I need to have this experience or I will regret it...

Take care of her on here -- I will keep posting and will be in Vegas in Oct!

Love you all

Here is the website for my lodge -- www.evergreenlodge.com (http://www.evergreenlodge.com)
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: Sluff on April 20, 2008, 06:11:12 AM
A very beautiful place. I hope you have a lot of fun.
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: paris on April 23, 2008, 06:26:06 PM
Well, today was "goodbye" day.  We drove to Indiana this morning (4hours) and met Beth's friend Lana and her family.  We had a nice lunch together and then we(my sister and I) needed to get back on the road.   I am sure you can all imagine the parting scene.  My three older children moved out years ago,  Beth has lived in Florida and Hawaii,so I am use to children leaving;  but it is so hard to say goodbye and know we won't see each other for awhile.   Her biggest fear is that something will happen to me and she won't be here.  I keep reasurring her I am fine and she is just a plane ride away. But, really I just wanted to sit there and cry my eyes out.    Lana and Beth leave tomorrow and the big road trip across country begins.  I can't wait to hear all about their adventures.  Say little prayers for a safe journey.  Thanks to all of you caring and for your support.  :grouphug;
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: okarol on April 23, 2008, 06:37:10 PM
 :'( Waaaa.
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: Sluff on April 24, 2008, 03:57:59 AM
Here for you Paris.  :grouphug; Happy Trails Beth.  :grouphug;
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: kitkatz on April 24, 2008, 06:29:40 AM
Good luck Beth.  :yahoo;    :grouphug; to you!
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: rose1999 on April 24, 2008, 08:06:54 AM
Safe journey Beth, don't forget us. :cuddle;

Paris please remember we are here for yo, I know you must feel awful just now - parting is so hard - but you're a brilliant Mum and Beth will be back. Sending you lots of love and a great big hug  :big hug: and a bunny to keep you company  :bunny: xx
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: Bajanne on April 24, 2008, 08:49:49 AM
Wow!  So the time came!  Anyway, she is still with you in spirit. I know that.  My prayers are with both of you.  :grouphug;
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: jbeany on April 24, 2008, 11:07:51 AM
Phooey, now you've got me missing my mom!   :grouphug; to you both!
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: paris on April 24, 2008, 07:37:07 PM
Thanks everyone.  Today is better. She keeps texting me and telling me what they are doing.  They were in St. Louis, saw the Arch (Beth was born in St Louis) and then went to James Dean childhood home.  Now are in the hotel in Springfield, Mo.  Aren't cell phones and computers great.  I can't imagine how the pioneers did it!  I would have never made it!     :rofl;
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: Sluff on April 25, 2008, 02:47:37 AM
Safe journey Beth, don't forget us. :cuddle;

Paris please remember we are here for yo, I know you must feel awful just now - parting is so hard - but you're a brilliant Mum and Beth will be back. Sending you lots of love and a great big hug  :big hug: and a bunny to keep you company  :bunny: xx


Make that a Sluff Bunny.  :)
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: rose1999 on April 25, 2008, 07:24:47 AM
Hey Paris, look on the bright side, with Beth off the scene for a while, you and I can move up Sluffbunny's list  >:D She was always going to be ahead of us in the queue :bunny:
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: paris on April 25, 2008, 08:54:53 AM
Rose, you're right!  I didn't think about how much time Sluff will have for us now!         Thanks, I needed a good laugh :rofl;
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: Sluff on April 25, 2008, 02:21:10 PM
 :rofl; :rofl;
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: AlohaBeth on April 27, 2008, 10:33:46 PM
Hey everyone!  First of all - BACK OFF SLUFF! 

Now - back on track...  I am having a great time -- we just checked into our Vegas hotel which we will be at for 3 nights -- I am trying to keep my Blog up to date -- so keep checking that for fun road-trip updates -- pictures will go up on the blog in the next day or so.  Love you all so much!!

http://bethbreakey.blogspot.com/
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: rose1999 on April 27, 2008, 10:45:53 PM
Hey everyone!  First of all - BACK OFF SLUFF! 


It's no good shouting at us we're just not listening  :rofl;

Good to hear from you Beth, looking forward to reading all about your adventures, you take good care of yourself
(and we'll take good care of Sluffbunny  >:D)

Lots of love xxxx  :bunny:
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: Sluff on April 28, 2008, 04:30:20 AM
Great blog EB. The road can be creepy at times I drove truck for 8 years by myself.  Lots of fun though also. ( don't worry Beth you are still my number 1, thats our little secret  :secret;   :rofl;
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: kitkatz on April 28, 2008, 05:41:19 AM
Wow!  And here you are in Texas yet. 
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: okarol on April 28, 2008, 07:56:07 AM
Thanks Beth, we will follow along on your blog. Be safe!  :waving;
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: rose1999 on April 28, 2008, 09:24:54 AM
Beth it's a great blog, I feel as if I'm there with you.  Stay safe, we all love you (and isn't Sluffbunny a dreadful flirt!!!) ;)
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: monrein on April 28, 2008, 12:34:43 PM
Love reading about your adventures.  Have fun Beth.
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: AlohaBeth on May 04, 2008, 03:33:52 PM
Hey everyone - Just letting you all know that I am safe and well on top of a mountain.  It's definitely a different world up here.  They have nick-named me "city girl"!  I hope everyone is doing great!  I miss you all!!!!  Keep mom company!
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: Romona on May 04, 2008, 05:17:18 PM
Spin around and sing "The hills are alive............." Have fun!
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: okarol on May 04, 2008, 09:46:30 PM

I was in Yosemite once in May and it was absolutely beautiful. I envy you Beth!
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: okarol on May 31, 2008, 08:45:09 AM
 :waving; Hey Aloha Beth!

How are you doing?
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: Sluff on May 31, 2008, 10:57:26 AM
I'm not sure but i think Beth is either back home. Can this be confirmed Paris?
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: okarol on May 31, 2008, 11:00:20 AM

I thought she was supposed to be in Yosemite until the end of the year ?
Title: Re: Packing today
Post by: Sluff on May 31, 2008, 11:12:27 AM
I thought the same thing also, Maybe I misread her myspace, I only glanced through it.