I stood in the line at the airport at 5 in the morning today not really wanting to be there.
It wasn't because it was too early in the morning, it was because I was saying goodbye to my oldest son. He is moving to Seattle, and though I am being supportive, I really did not want to let him go.
Parents know how it is. The years fly by. One minute you're rocking your baby to sleep, the next you are sending them off to college.
I am lucky, my three children chose to attend colleges close to home. Though they live/lived on-campus, they were still close enough to come home if they needed something or if I needed to see them.
But, I always knew my oldest son would be the one to move away to find a new job. As a toddler, he used to take off, usually never looking back.
One time he hopped in his little Cozy Coupe, shut the door and told us he was going to "Swe-breeze." (Seabreeze) We watched as he peddled away, his little legs got tired after a few houses and he headed back home.
Fast Forward to 2008. He earned his teaching degree from Geneseo, and then decided he didn't want to teach.
He has tried living and working in New York City and Cleveland. Now it's off to Seattle. I begged him to consider something closer. Even offering (bribing) him with money if he chose a city where I could drive to, rather than fly.
He wasn't buying it. His mind was made up. He sold his car, quit his job and packed his bags. I do give him credit for preparing us for this big move. He's been talking about it since November.
But are you really ever ready to see your grown children move away? I'm not.
But as I said, I am lucky, my other two are nearby and will soon be finding out how needy Mom really is.
I do envy my son for making such a move. I used to talk about it when I was his age, but never had the guts (or money) to move that far away.
I handed him a card as he boarded the plane. In it I told him, I hope he always finds his way home. Truthfully, I wouldn't mind if it happened after only a few months, but I know I am being selfish and unrealistic.
I know parents whose kids live all over the country. They tell me it gives them wonderful places to visit. I guess I will have to get over my fear of flying and buy a ticket to Seattle.
I do hear it's a beautiful place. I do hope he finds his way home. As I also told him, he will always have a room waiting for him and free meals!
