She’s been going in circles for about a week. In many ways, the excitement resembles that of a small child waiting for Christmas.

Two weeks until her departure, and she began packing. She is going back to Germany. In response to her request for luggage, I have to remind her that there are still two weeks and plenty of time to obtain luggage.

When asked about her return, she will tell you that she does not know. Its not that she doesn’t love home, but she is 18 now and has the opportunity to work or even go to school in Germany. Having grown up in a lower-class as she has, this is a HUGE opportunity for her…a lucky chance. This is her chance to make something of herself.

Most of her friends are supportive…as is most of the family. Her father is not so happy, so she avoids him. His support would make her happy, but support from him in any aspect of her life has been a hard-fought battle…and she is tired of fighting. I hope that he will one day understand so that perhaps they can mend their relationship, but it is not my place to interfere at this juncture.

As for me, I’m happy for her. Yes, I will miss her, but I could never try to keep her from fulfilling a dream. It will be quiet here with just her brother and me….but I’m ready for it. Its been a long and noisy road with a housefull of kids so it might be rather nice to have it quieten down a bit. Sometimes, change is good.

As her departure time grows near, she becomes even more fretful trying to make sure that she gets everything done in time. Its pretty cool to sit back and watch her intensity. She seems to mature before my very eyes….the little girl who has suddenly decided to embrace her adulthood.

That empty nest thing will hit one day…but right now, I’m rather enjoying this.

arkmomy