Hi. I am kind of linking the first post with the more recent posts. My daughter is 24 and about to leave home. We have always been very close, and from age 12 when her Dad left unexpectedly, we have become much closer. She is a very lovely, kind, gentle, sensitive, funny and independent person. She is just as comfortable french polishing nails, having a spa day with me, and having girlie nights as she is rally driving, driving supercars, changing a wheel and taking off a radiator in her car.
She intended to go to University to do primary teaching and then through a series of problems with a teacher at High School she felt she could not cope with University and decided to do an HND in Beauty Therapy (it gave me a whole new view, understanding and respect for Beauty Therapists). Unfortunately, she is sensitive to petroleum (which we did not realise when she was training - it was diagnosed later) and that made a career in that field unsuitable.
She was working part-time in Tesco, so she switched it to full-time on the management training scheme for about one and a half years. The stress they work under is immense and this ultimately led to her weight dropping to 6.5 stones, her beautiful long hair starting to falling out, she had constant infections and illnesses and she was exhausted. I (actually both of us) were extremely worried about her. I insisted she stop working for a few months to try to recover her health and consider her long term future. Through a very gifted vibrational healer (ex rheumatologist consultant actually), her infections all cleared, she was told about the petroleum sensitivity and she improved. After 3 months rest, she took a job as a Nursery Assistant/early education - she absolutely adores her work.
Now - almost 3 years on, she is happy, vibrant, fulfilled, extremely hard working, and about to leave home!
She and her boyfriend are expecting a baby (she is 4 months) and they have bought a house.
When I got over the shock of the news of the baby I was delighted for them.
She works full time, studies for her qualificications at evening class and at home; she undertook a five week course at weekends in order to learn how to set up and operate childminding facility at home; and she has just embarked on a 10 week evening class for first aid. She talked about going back to University longer term to do child psychology or teaching children with special needs.
Lisa has certainly had her education in the University of Life so far and, although difficult, that has suited her. She will be successful at whatever she is focussed on doing.
At Christmas, she gave me a beautiful scrap photobook 'Just the Two of Us' and in one page she has written "I feel I can cope with anything my life throws at me - thank you so much for all you have done for me and all you have shown me".
So, just when I was getting my brain into gear that she was leaving home, moving in with her boyfriend (not such a surprise after 2.5 years) and having a baby ............. she announces that they may be moving to Kuwait for a few years when the baby is one year!
So, my daughter and new grandchild (and son in law) will all move away all in a short space of time.
Despite my great sadness at this, I keep reminding myself that children are only ours for a time - to cherish, nurture and prepare to fly the nest as confident adults, unafraid to venture forth and experience all life has to offer. And, I am both pleased and proud she will do this and always feels I will give unbiased advice and accept her decisions without making her feel she is letting me down or I am upset by it - even though I may be.
Empty nest? The silence from her absence will be deafening:'(.
So, to all the Mum's out there feeling the empty nest syndrome - "I hear you".
X
