Thursday, August 23, 2007

Almost

Last day of work for The Lovely Daughter yesterday. Two of her friends just picked her up for their amusement park excursion. Looking at the sky, I leaned into the car window and said, "If it starts to pour, be sure and pull over!"

"My mom JUST called to say that!" said the driver. Much laughter ensued. I wondered how many times in the past fifteen years we moms have made statements identical to one another's.

"Have you girls given any thought to when you might come home?" No, of course not. But they will be two hours away. "Well, when does the park close?"

"8:00," said the other passenger. "So we'll be home before or after 8:00."


More laughter.

I don't suppose you would believe me if I told you just how smart these young women are.

*******

The Lovely Daughter leaves for college in Oregon on Saturday. One of the other girls would be headed that way as well except for the fact that this year it's France for her. The driver goes back to New Haven soon. The fourth of their little group is already in Singapore, where she arrived on her twentieth birthday a couple of weeks ago.

Last night our Session (church governing council) meeting ended with everyone around the room saying something to or for me as I head off to seminary. It was unexpected and lovely (as well as quite embarrassing), and I know I will treasure some of those words in the months ahead.

Lunch today with our senior pastor -- a final boost out the door. Sort of. I'm co-leading a class at church in a couple of weeks.

Meeting tomorrow for the first official time with my new spiritual director (yeah, I stuck with the Jesuits) and then a week-end retreat with all the people involved in my spiritual direction training program. I will slip out Saturday morning for a dash to the airport to kiss The Lovely Daughter good-bye.

Next week: the spiritual direction program beings and the seminary orientation takes place.

All these months (and years) of hoping and dreaming and planning are coming to the first stage of fruition. Pretty cool.

8 comments:

Lori said...

Very cool.

Lisa :-] said...

Woo-hoo! I'm SO happy for you, Robin. This is going to be an awesome time in your life.

Rev SS said...

LOL at the conversation with the girls ... and so happy for you as you begin this exciting blessed chapter. Very cool!

Diane M. Roth said...

yes, I am looking forward to your journey...

Law+Gospel said...

Just surfacing from the midst of summer Greek to wish you well on your continued journey.

Anonymous said...

Very cool indeed. And I had to LOL at the conversation with the girls. A friend and I just today said that we wished there was a recording that all parents could have so that we could just push a button for the various phrases that we all repeat over and over and over again!

Anonymous said...

So many transitions. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

more cows than people said...

so happy and excited for you!