Life Changes

Monday, August 25, 2008

I'm finally coming out of my jet-lag fog and I'm ready to write about recent events. Sunday, August 17, I took Elizabeth to college. Monday, August 18, I returned to Warsaw. I don’t know who had it harder; Elizabeth or me. I think I did because I couldn’t let her see how difficult it was for me to leave her there. She cried when I left. She cried when she called me at 10:00 pm that night. She was crying when she called me at 1:30 or 2:00 am Monday morning! (Some door banging in the hall woke her up.) Each time I swallowed my own tears and encouraged her. I was able to send a note to her Academic Advisor to give her a “heads up” about Elizabeth and her situation with her parents being so far away—for the first time in her life. I told the advisor that in a couple of days everything would be fine. It’s the transition that is difficult! I didn't say it would be hard for both of us.

I’ve always referred to Elizabeth as my “unexpected blessing”. I thought our family was complete with four of us and then I discovered I was pregnant. I wasn’t ready for another baby—the boys were ten and six and fairly independent. It took a while but eventually I began to look forward to having a baby in the house. When she was born, I cried to discover she was a girl. I loved my boys but it was wonderful to have a girl. She and I have always enjoyed a good relationship. Sometimes, Easel has even accused us of being “joined at the hip”. That’s fine. We have been able to have a lot of fun together—especially over the last few years as she has grown up. I am proud to say that my daughter is also my friend just at my mother is my friend. I don’t think everyone is fortunate enough to be able to say that! I know Elizabeth will be fine. I’ve watched her mature into a self-confident young woman. She just needs a reminder every now and then that she is capable of handling herself (and others) as well as any glitches along the way. I know she will have a great experience in college. As the week progressed, I could hear her voice change. She went from uncertainty to more confidence as each day passed. I am so thankful for the technology that allows me to talk to her regularly, if not daily! Now, I can’t wait to see all the changes as she continues to grow and mature.

This transition is a change for me as well. I am now into full-blown empty nest! I think I’m going to like it but it will take a little time to “settle in” to this new way of life. Now, I only have one other person’s schedule to consider when I want to plan something! Yes, I know, Elizabeth will be home from school for holidays and summers but this really is the beginning of a new chapter for Easel and me. We’ve had children (and teenagers!) in the house for nearly 30 years. It’s a bit quieter without others in the house. I’m glad we enjoy each others’ company! We are hoping that over the next few months we can travel quite a bit on the weekends and see more of Poland and some of the surrounding countries. Everyone tells us to go to Prague, so Prague is high on the agenda but there is so much to see in Poland that we will spend a lot of time traveling here as well.

Elizabeth starts classes today. I start my “new” lifestyle today. Wish us both a good start!