Thursday, January 11, 2007

Yet Another Stage...


I’ve been popping Gaviscon and lots of other pharmaceutical goodies this week. Can you spell S T R E S S ??

Big changes in this household. My eldest is leaving home. Not for travel, not for further education — but for good. This is it, folks. The dreaded moment has arrived. Can’t say where he’s going or what he’s doing right now — and not because it’s top secret — but because I’m having a great deal of trouble dealing with his career choice. Proud of him? Yes, but lots of other emotions in the mix.

Perhaps someday I’ll write about it on this blog. Maybe. He’s actually encouraged me to do just that. For now, I can’t. Kind of strange for someone who earns money writing, right? The words won’t come. The thoughts are too jumbled.

Tonight is the Farewell Party — family, friends and an emotionally fragile mother will be in attendance. Even organizing this party was stressful.


“Just buy some steaks, Mom.”

(Steaks??)

“For how many?”

“I don’t know right now. I’ll let you know.”


We’re going with pizza, beer and wine.

I’m functioning on adrenalin right now. Will probably collapse on Saturday.

In the meantime, if my posts, comments, etc., are either crazy or absent, you’ll know why. (Sort of.) On the other hand, if I’m still right in there with the blogging routine (although my posts won’t be on this topic) you’ll also know why. Escape.

(The above photo, although not of the finest quality, captures his impish nature — then, and now.)

19 comments:

megan said...

You will be fine - he will be fine - he is chasing his dream, and although it frightens you, it is still his dream. Not many people get the opportunity to follow their dream - be proud that he's making it happen for himself. As his 'second' Mom, I will also miss him dearly (and worry incessantly), but we all need to give him our unconditional love and support. He is a wonderful young man, who will always retain that impishness - and don't worry, you will never stop being his Mom. Have fun tonight - nothing will make him happier than to be surrounded by his friends and family with laughter and encouragement. And don't forget, you can always lean on us.
Me

Anonymous said...

megan - oh, crap, you made me cry...

Anonymous said...

Adorable photo! What a sweetie!

Courage, my love, and enjoy the party.

Anonymous said...

patricia - Thanks. And he's "following his star," right?

oreneta said...

Ohhhh, good luck. This one sounds tough. Try and have fun....?

The Guy Who Writes This said...

Beth, I did this to my parents as well. I sold my house, quit a high paying job and went for a walk-about. Fortunately, everything worked out for me. I hope the same for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Oh hon...I can hardly imagine. It will be tough but perhaps you could start typing about it and the rest will come. Posting it will be up to you.

Beth said...

oreneta - It is a tough one...I'll try and have fun...and thanks.


guy - Thanks. I'm sure it will work out. (I just wish it was a "walk-about.")

trish - Yeah, it's something you don't imagine way back when they're little. All the words are in my head - maybe I should just start typing...

Angel said...

ohh boy...I will be facing something like this in the months to come when my oldest boy graduates high school. He can't wait to leave, and all I want is for him to go back to being a little boy who loved his Mommy more than anything in the world.

I am very territorial when it comes to my kids...I had a Horrible time when my daughter graduated and went to school...but this boy...I just love him so much and he's such a good boy, I hate to be without him for even a second. the world is a dangerous place!

I agree with Megan, be proud of who he is and that he's YOURS! Really, our job is to raise them and then let them go, hard as that is to do. good luck, and I will be crying right along with you!

Anonymous said...

He's not becoming a campaign worker for the conservatives is he? Is he drowning cute puppies? Stealing lunch money from poor kids?

It seems like just yesterday that I did this to my mom. Luckily I only thought that I knew what I wanted to do. I turned out OK. He will, too. Just that you worry about is sure to mean that you've passed along what you've needed to put a good head on his shoulders. Chin up. It's a happy day.

Beth said...

beth - you're so sweet - don't cry - i'll be trying not to! If it was only the leaving home for school, I could handle that (and have done so). It's the where he's going and what he's doing now that gets me.

dj - I'd rather he was campaigning for the Conservatives (horrors). I like your bit about all my worrying has put a good head on his shoulders. I like to think all that worrying had a (good) purpose.

Anonymous said...

Beth, you will be fine! Your number 1 child is following his heart...and by the way what's wrong with working and/or campaigning for the conservatives? Liberals don't have a monopoly on good policies or good politics.

Nomad said...

*Heart lurch*

Be proud, trust him, you sound like such a great person, I am sure you have given him all the great things he needs to do well and be happy. How courageous to follow his heart.

It takes SO much courage to follow the beat of your own drum. It is what I dream of for my children.

You must be very proud!!

Beth said...

anonymous - Yes, he is following his heart and for that, I'm happy.


nomad - Thanks for those kind, encouraging words. And he has always followed the beat of his own drum! I am proud of him. Very.

(And now I must get off this blog - I think the shower is free for Mom! Party time soon...)

Baron Ectar said...

Oh man you just made a grown man tear up - it will work out. You did your bet now its time to test them wings. Hang tough mom.

Beth said...

baron - It's the morning after and I am "hanging tough" - still.
Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Not much more I can say. Everyone is right, you know it and I know it but it still sucks big time. You beat even me with this one. He is sweet,unique and very brave. Sounds like you. We WILL get through this together.

Attila the Mom said...

It's always so hard the first time!

But before you know it, he'll be back and you'll be dying to get rid of him.

Just kidding. ;-)

(((Beth)))

Beth said...

attila - Thanks for the hug - and for checking in.
(Motherhood can be a rough ride, right?)