Today I packed she who does not wish to be on my blog, and drove her to university. Another door has opened for her and closed for me. It’s hard to put into words how I feel. Of course I’m delighted for her and proud to have reached the point where I can launch her into the world but if I’m really truthful I mostly feel… lonely.
She’s not far away and will return weekly, but it signals the end to nineteen years of childhood.
Tonight she’ll not peep in the door for a chat.
She’ll not ask do I want a cuppa as she makes her way to the kitchen to make a hot chocolate.
She’ll not smile later when I say, close to midnight, “Do you think it’s too late for us to watch another episode of suits?”
and as I head to bed she’ll not appear out of her room to give me a goodnight hug.
I know I’m being ridiculous, but that’s what mothers do. Her Dad is so depressed he’s eaten a full dinner, chatted happily and gone for a cycle… I’ve no doubt, she who does not wish to be named on my blog, is just as upset as her father, as she enjoys the company of her fellow housemates tonight and the prospect of a new life away from family. It is only I, the eejit, who is left struggling.
Some of you may remember I gave each of my children a song when they were born. Here is the song I gave this young lady, child number three, all those years ago. I hope you don’t mind if I share it again with you tonight.
Congratulations, my ‘Little One.’ I’m very proud of all you’ve become.
xxxxxx
In case you don’t have time to listen. Here are the lyrics.
Turn around and you’re two
Turn around and you’re four
Turn around and you’re a young girl
Going out of the door
[First Chorus:]
Turn around
Turn around
Turn around and you’re a young girl
Going out of the door
Where are you goin’ my little one, little one?
Little Dirndles and petticoats, where have you gone?
Turn around and you’re tiny
Turn around and you’re grown
Turn around and you’re a young wife
With babes of your own
[Second Chorus:]
Turn around
Turn around
Turn around and you’re a young wife
With babes of your own
[First Chorus)
Where are you goin’ my little one, little one?
Where are you goin’ my baby my own?
photo credit: ohsohappytogether via photopin cc
My thoughts on a page. 
Like, and appreciate.
Thanks Mona.
Ah, another milestone reached….
Yes, some are harder than others to pass.
Indeed…loss of those close
Oh sweetie, how bittersweet. I’m totally crying with you, tyis was so touching. Big hugs. XX
Thank you. It’s a bittersweet moment alright.
Oh wow, I can imagine….lean into it, it’s all you can do. Xx
Oh Tric, this song brought a tear, all those memories to cherish, while she is off making new ones….She will be back soon.
Thanks Joan. I think it’s only the knowledge that life as I know it is over. Not for the worse, but it is over.
I’ll be fine tomorrow. 🙂
Hugs xx
Thanks Jean. Your hugs were much appreciated.
You’ll grow accustomed to her not being around before you know it Tric. I love that you call her she who does not wish to be on my blog. I like to call myself she who must be obeyed LOL. Hugs to you. ❤
Diana xo
Haha, and do you live up to your nickname?
I know, time will change everything and it’s lovely to see her happy.
I’m too old and tired now to demand obedience anymore haha
I get it, I relate, I couldn’t help but laugh at your description of ‘Himself.
Thanks Colleen, and you survived!
It’s all true about himself. Maybe next week it will hit him?
Maybe it will……. maybe…..
Hugs
Thanks so much Paul.
Oh, you’re breaking my heart! That was the song I used to try (and fail) to sing to my firstborn, my only girl. She used to ask me to sing it so that she could watch me cry. Now she is “a young wife with babes” of her own.
I wish you peace in this time of great transition. And don’t be fooled: I’m sure that “himself” is feeling it in his own way. Sending you a big hug and sigh of commiseration. Time does fly!
Thank you. I remember all those years ago listening to this song and thinking that some day she could have ‘babes of her own.’ At the time it never seemed possible, but we are creeping along ever closer to just such a day.
Mind you it’s wonderful to see a child happy, excited and fulfilled. I really can’t complain.
The day Child #4 left for university, I packed the house, moved to another country, and started a new career. Those doors are opening for you too.
I love your thinking and yes you are spot on, while one door has indeed closed, more than one has opened. Thank you.
😦 🙂 :-
ah, take a big gulp and many hugs to you. so sorry dad is mired in deep mourning…..
Haha. Thanks, he’s a brilliant actor, even fools himself! 🙂
Gorgeous Tric!!!Hugs for you. As a parent of little ones, I can’t imagine that this day will come for me too. Best of luck to your lady in new adventure-UL is a great place!x
Thanks Aedin. It’s a lovely thing to know you have a child ready to face the world, but as you can imagine, having launched your own little lady, it is bitter sweet. As a mother it’s a measure of our success to be in a position to wave them off to new adventures, with or without tears.
empty nest …you will grow to enjoy the change in your life and the space that you will now have
Thank you. I’ve no doubt you are right and I’m sure it wont take that long either. That’s life. Ever changing.
Beautiful. Song is so appropriate. I remember my gradmother singing Nat King Cole’s “Nature Boy” to me. Great memories.
I think a song is a little like a smell. It can transport us back in time within minutes. I’m off to google that song.
I think I can understand how your sadness, Tric, but as you yourself seem to feel, it’s a necessary next stage and really all for the best in the long run. Anyway, it’s good to hear that your husband is bearing the separation so manfully. Incidentally, the bit about your daughter not stopping by to ask if you wanted some hot cocoa made me feel very sad. My sons have never asked me that. 🙂
Oh how sad for you. No cocoa/hot chocolate… ever?
I suspect you and my fella might mourn the ‘loss of your children’, as your wife might say, or ‘their moving on to uni’, as you would say, in a similar manner?
Yep, no cocoa or hot chocolate! To be fair, it’s not like my kids do nothing, though. They are very prepared to lend me a hand with finishing my cookies.
Gotta be hard. Wishing you both the best!
Thanks OM. Another milestone passed.
I hope you are doing ok otherwise tric.
Yes OM life is very good at the moment. Long may it last.
🍺🙂
We had the same thing here this week. It was tough. Hugs xx
Thanks. It’s the quietness I can’t get used to. Three of them left in a car last Sunday night and it was so sudden.
Hope all going well for you too.