You Can Get There From Here

First, don't think that just because I've been inactive for a few months that I've not had marbles. They just weren't great ones.

My son told us yesterday that he and his sweet bride are moving in a couple of weeks from here to there, there being St. Louis, or at least its general area.

It has taken me a good 24 hours to be able to say that without tearing up, so yay me.

I really am excited for them -- it's a great opportunity for both of them in their careers, and could certainly be a real growing opportunity for their marriage as they navigate waters without family close enough to drive over to their apartment when there's a mini-crisis.

<stuff is drippin' out of my eyes right now -- damned seasonal allergies>

Anyway... as I was saying..

The wonderful phone calls and e-mails I've gotten from sweet friends who understand -- with me -- that this sucks, but is not a devastating sucky thing, have been just awesome, and I've got my Perspective List intact.

1) They are not leaving with relationships that are sour. This would not have been the case a few years ago. I am grateful beyond expression for that.

2) They are not leaving because they HATE HATE HATE being here, and they know they have an easy fit should they ever come back.

3) Neither of them are going to a place where they will necessarily be in harm's way.

4) And, finally, you can get there from here.

I keep saying these things to myself and they are true.

But I'm still looking ahead -- there's no expectation that we'll see them at Thanksgiving, or Christmas, or Easter, or whatever other thing comes up that qualifies as a family get-together -- at least no time soon. Their schedules hardly allow that here. And when they do come back this way for a visit, their time will be torn between her folks and us -- and Henry and I long ago made them a promise that we would never pull them to pieces in that sort of tug-o'-war. Okay, fine, this promise will be harder to keep, but I'm gonna try with everything I have to keep it.

It really is hard not to get caught up in their excitement, even if I don't share it. What I know is that throwing cold water on their plans by pleading, begging, moaning, throwing up roadblocks (all of which, let me tell you, have been HARD not to do) is a dreadful parting gift, and it's not one I'm going to give them.

Instead, I give them my unqualified blessing, and all the prayers in the world that this move is exactly the right thing for them at the right time in their lives....

And a reminder that home is always here, whenever they need to find it again.