Thursday, February 08, 2007

Today I will do my best to keep focused.

I will not seep tears or stand around feeling anxious.

I will be brave.

I will focus on the tasks before me.

I am the parent of a college student. He will fly to Paris tomorrow. He will live in France for a semester. He will be thousands of miles away from his Mama.

I will not be able to grab him from danger, fix things for him or see his handsome face.

I will be brave. I will trust God to take care of him. I will be brave.

Stalwartly,

St. Casserole

10 comments:

Unknown said...

Amen to all you say, including the chocolate part.
Love you!

Gannet Girl said...

Ohh......it will be wonderful, for all of you! My son spent 11th grade in Rennes and it created a whole new opeing into the world for all of us. Please tell me you are going to visit him. It will make it easier to stand the wait, he will get to be the host, and Chartres is there, and everyone shoud go to Chartres.

Rev Dave said...

This is probably no comfort, but most likely what you're feeling and fearing right now:

Hugs sent your way.



How 'Ya Gonna Keep 'Em Down on the Farm
(After They've Seen Paree)

Reuben, Reuben, I've been thinking
Said his wifey dear
Now that all is peaceful and calm
The boys will soon be back on the farm
Mister Reuben started winking and slowly rubbed his chin
He pulled his chair up close to mother
And he asked her with a grin

Chorus (sung twice after each verse):
How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm
After they've seen Paree'
How ya gonna keep 'em away from Broadway
Jazzin around and paintin' the town
How ya gonna keep 'em away from harm, that's a mystery
They'll never want to see a rake or plow
And who the deuce can parleyvous a cow?
How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm
After they've seen Paree'

Rueben, Rueben, you're mistaken
Said his wifey dear
Once a farmer, always a jay
And farmers always stick to the hay
Mother Reuben, I'm not fakin
Tho you may think it strange
But wine and women play the mischief
With a boy who's loose with change

Chorus (sung twice after each verse):
How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm
After they've seen Paree'
How ya gonna keep 'em away from Broadway
Jazzin around and paintin' the town
How ya gonna keep 'em away from harm, that's a mystery
Imagine Reuben when he meets his Pa
He'll kiss his cheek and holler "OO-LA-LA!
How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm
After they've seen Paree'?

Kathryn said...

Oh, it does hurt, doesn't it...that leaving home to go seriously overseas.
But the weeks flew when Hattie Gandhi was on her travels, and somehow those travels made the world seem a smaller and more accessible place for the rest of us too.
Hugs and prayers for the deserted mother, though! xx

Jody Harrington said...

Sending chocolate vibes your way! And some hugs.

Patti said...

He will be fine, God will take care of him. And, you know that feeling, like your heart's been ripped out of your chest and stomped on? That will get better, too.

Mary Beth said...

From your friendly RevGalPal Study Abroad Director: IT WILL BE OKAY. It will be better than okay, it will be the (an) defining experience of his life.

It may also define your life with some extra grey hair. DANG, it's hard for parents! Isn't it!? Because the kids know they are just fine, and the parents cannot see them being just fine. We tell our students, "the first thing you do when you get there is, CALL YOUR MOTHER!"

As someone who has sent hundreds of students on such programs over the years, and held some several parental hands, I feel this deep for you. Holler if you need an ear or a shoulder.

Sue said...

He will be fine. You will be fine. It's still hard though, even when you know how good the experience is for his life.

((St. C))

Lori said...

My own petit fille is just 8. Huit ans. Can only imagine. It goes so fast, nes pas?

Randi said...

My oldest just moved out last week. It is truly weird to finally be at this point in my life!

Best wishes to you as you adjust to a new relationship with your son. Changes, yes. But still many good things ahead!