I guess life just keeps moving on.....it is so hard to let go, I would like to keep things the same....nevertheless--I can't stop life from happening.

Tomorrow, my OD leaves for college.It is time--but gosh, all the memories have been flooding through my mind. We are trying to pack up her room. My YD has already made claim to her bedroom.

This is sad--I wish we didn't have to have any more changes this year. I don't know if I want any more. ***SIGH****.

We had a great send-off party/bithday party the other night. It was so much fun to see all the kids before they take off to college. Gosh, where has the time gone? They are all grown up <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="images/icons/frown.gif" /> It was only yesterday they were dressing up in ball gowns and trying to act so grown up. We have been taking down her picture collages from the walls--so many memories. It has really left me feeling kind of sad.

School starts for me in a week--it will keep me so busy, I know I won't have much time to be lonely. Wouldn't it be great if we could slow down life a little????

Just kind of rambling today. Hope everyone is doing ok......Pat

Misery - yes time changes rapidly. My oldest daughter moved out a few months ago, about 2 hours away. I still have 3 here at home. 2 going to a university about 1/2 hour away. 1 still in high school a junior. It is sad to remember going into labor with each child and seeing them for the first time all squiggly and crying. What a joy, what a time of growing they did, and now they are leaving the roost. We have had major changes like you have. SNL moved out, we both filed for divorce, and SNL is acting childish and his controlling manner I will do it my way and only my way. Life goes on, and we must do the best with what we have left. Thankfully you have a teaching job, this will help you tremendously. Good times for the rest of the year to you and your family. Keep up with your daughter by e-mail, and enjoy these years she has ahead. I love my kids so much, they are a real joy to me.

Dear cry2much,

Yeah, it does go to fast...but the memories are great.

Best wishes on getting through the divorce--what a devastating experience....I am sorry that it is such a difficult time for you and your kids.

I am glad that your kids are there for you--it really helps. Pat

Pat,

Hugs to you tonight, I cannot even imagaine how hard this is for you.

I will be there in Jan as OD leaves for the AF. She will only be 17, she wont be here for her 18th birthday. I am having a hard time now with this I can't even imagine where you are tonight!!!!

My thoughts and prayers are with you and OD.

Dawn <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

MnM,

As they say "when one door closes another one opens" I cried too when OS left for college 1200 miles away. I didn't see him for 2 months till I went up for family weekend. His friends were amazed that I came a long way yet I wouldn't have missed it for anything.

My OS decided that it was too cold up north & would go to college down south YEAAAAAAHHHH Now he's only 5 hours away. He has turned into such a fine young man. He took off on his own after 9-11 to volunteer in NYC. I was in awe and tears come to my eyes as I write this. I guess what I am saying, that it was hard to see him leave yet it's wonderful to see what he is becomming.

HOw is school this year? The beginning is always the toughest. My YS started on the 8th !!!yipes that is way too early.

HOw far away will your OD be? Will you get to see her some weekends?

God Bless,

D.

Dear Daybreak and WGTT,

Thanks for the posts. We got her settled--I did ok, but she was really unsure if this is what she really wanted to do. It was sad leaving that night---ooh....she is all grown up and leaving home.

Three days later--
Her soccer practice has started, she has already made good friends, and she called this morning and sounds so happy. This university will be a great place for her. She loves the barns and the horses are gorgeous. It is a small university--they called her by name when we pulled up. Even the university president walked up and said "Hi, Megan!! Glad to have you here"--Amazing...quite a difference from my experience at ASU.

She is only 2 hours away....and I think she may drive home with friends Sat. nite. She has her first soccer game next week.

Now, for us at home--the realization of her really being gone for good is hitting all of us. It has been kind of a sad couple of days for us. She wasn't home much when she was here--but we still miss having her bop in and out.

I am trying to get last minute things done before I have to go to school tomorrow. The rat race is about to begin.

Yesterday, I took the little kids and went to the state fair. We got there about 2 and stayed until 12:30--it was really fun.

Dawn...that will be hard when your OD leaves. At least mine is closer--and I have the feeling we will be able to see her often. I guess we will have to rely on email and the phone.

WGTT,
It is hard when these kids start leaving the nest. Makes me refocus on me--guess for years, my focus was on my H, his career and the kids. I still have three at home tho--but it has really shown me that what I thought my life was about...will always be changing. Kind of an unsettling thought. I need to start preparing for that now, I think.

I am glad your son is closer to you now. It would be hard to not be able to see them because of distance. I'd better run....just wanted to check in today. Take Care Pat

OOps....had trouble posting.

<small>[ August 14, 2002, 12:06 PM: Message edited by: miserynmissouri ]</small>