Packing today

[paris]

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  in (especially on the Obama thread!)  Say an extra prayer for a safe trip---you know I will be worried!

[Meinuk]

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

 

[xtrememoosetrax]

Thinking of you, Paris 

[monrein]

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.

[okarol]

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}}}!
 

[monrein]

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.

[rose1999]

Paris you know we are here with the shoulders to cry on and the boxes of tissues when you need us   
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  and my special bunny too 

[thegrammalady]

even though you will miss her, she will turn up again!  have a wonderful road trip. any chance you're coming through colorado?

[boxman55]

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

[Sluff]

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.

[Bajanne]

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.    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.

[Ohio Buckeye]

Oh Paris, I will be thinking of you both.
My shoulder is here for you if you need it.

[Sunny]

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.

[kitkatz]

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  .


What will she be doing at Yosemite?

[Romona]

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  to you Paris.

[AlohaBeth]

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

[Sluff]

A very beautiful place. I hope you have a lot of fun.

[paris]

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. 

[okarol]

  Waaaa.

[Sluff]

Here for you Paris.  Happy Trails Beth. 

[kitkatz]

Good luck Beth.      to you!

[rose1999]

Safe journey Beth, don't forget us.

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  and a bunny to keep you company  xx

[Bajanne]

Wow!  So the time came!  Anyway, she is still with you in spirit. I know that.  My prayers are with both of you. 

[jbeany]

Phooey, now you've got me missing my mom!    to you both!

[paris]

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!