Now, she's headed off to the 'wild blue yonder' to make her fortune and prepare for my monthly white-gloved visits...(Once a mother, always a mother. ' Um, have you flossed today?' 'Darling, you need lipstick.')
No, the reality of it is she's moving to Colorado and she had to kick me off while I cried, clinging to her leg.
*Sigh*...children. Why don't they get it? That, yes, we want them to leave the nest, but all that means is move across the street?! Otherwise, how are we going to have coffee every morning together? How are my dreams going to be fulfilled with you happily nestled in a snow bank?
Oh, yeah...it's not about my dreams. Ooopsie, I forgot!
Claire graduating from college with her degree in History has fulfilled one of my greatest dreams.
This road has not been an easy one, which makes it all the more...well, MORE.
More Joyous!
More Proud!
More Happy!
More Relieved!
MORE!! (Sung with a slight vibrato in the key of 'C')
Did I ever tell you Claire could barely read by the third grade? That I homeschooled her in the fourth grade, and drilled Hooked on Phonics, until we both wanted to die?! That she repeated sixth grade...?
You've never met a child who loved the silent 'e' more than her. When she wasn't sure how to spell a word, she'd throw in a few extra 'silent e's' until it looked just right. Hey, they're silent after all...
In her fifth grade year, I walked into the bathroom after she had showered, and saw written on the steamy mirror..."I am stuuped. I hate my sef." Takes your breath away, doesn't it?
Did I ever tell you she took honors classes in high school? That she was a peer leader, and went on to earn a dean's scholarship her freshmen year of college? Did I tell you she worked as a Nanny and helped with a little girl's homework for three years? A little girl who also struggles with school and because of Claire's own experiences, she had an understanding and patience that impressed her employers?
Mommy! Mommy, why do you have a vice grip around my neck? Yes, I'm still moving to Colorado. Mommy, you're hurting me...
More grinning from ear to ear...
Hey, who's this cutie-patootie?! He's happy we're about to go have lunch.
Aunt NeNe and Uncle Wayne! And Madi! Have we brainwashed you yet, that Madi should attend Lee?
Jackson and Cole and FIRE!!! Awesome!
Gosh, I haven't told you alot of things!! Meet me here for coffee tomorrow morning, I want to hear all about what's been going on with you, and tell you about my latest diet crisis...(can you say, 'arc trainer?')
