She's Baaack!

         First, because sometimes I just have to start with the news, I am stunned that people are HOARDING Twinkies due to the news that Hostess is closing its doors.   Hoarding and Twinkies written in the same sentence just seems wrong somehow.   I ate them as a child (most people over age 20 did, I guess) and once (just once, I promise) I bought a package and offered one to my daughter, just so she could see what a Twinkie was and say she had eaten one.  I do not think she finished it and she thought it was utterly disgusting.  I am sorry that 18,000 people are losing their jobs in the industry, but losing Twinkies (and related food items) doesn't strike me a a tragedy.   The loss of jobs is devastating to those families and communities however and they have my sympathy.

    The beloved child has returned from her sojourn in Spain.   She had a fabulous time, loved her host family, loved Segovia and the country in general, loved tapas, and is now wondering how she can get back to Spain in the least amount of time.  Coming home to a small New England town is hard, and our town does not have a lot to offer to teens and young adults.  It is a great place to raise children, absolutely wonderful, but not a spectacular place to be 18 and spreading one's wings.   So, beloved child says " I can't wait to go back to Spain." and my heart breaks a little bit.  I understand, I sympathize, I admire her desire to travel and explore and be independent, and yet, I want her to want to be home, at least for a few days.  Please?

     And then, the homecoming....stuff everywhere, hair in the tub, computer on the table, dishes...on the mantel, in her room, and detritus spread everywhere letting me know she's baaaack.    Already have had the discussion that "I'll get to it later" is not acceptable.  World traveler or not, some things don't change.

     She's home.  I can see her and hear her again.   She is slowly telling tales of her adventures and forming plans that will be her life away from home, soon.    I am willing to make her grilled cheese and tomato soup at 10 p.m. because she won't be here very much longer to ask me to do it.   Every moment from here on I am aware that she is leaving soon.   I want to spoil her a little because my window of opportunity is drawing to a close.

    Parenting a child who is ready to fly is not for the faint of heart.  

Beginnings

A new friend said, "Why don't you write a blog?".  My initial thought was that I wouldn't think anyone would read about my babble.  And then again, why not?

    I have been reading adoption blogs recently.  I think the reasons are many, but the biggest one is that my "baby" is getting ready to leave for college and I am feeling a mix of emotions.   It is time.  I would not do anything to hold her back from this next adventure in life.  I am thrilled for her and a little sad for me. College.  17 years ago I brought her home from China as a ten month old baby.  It was the two of us in the world.  Mama and daughter. Two girls in the tub, in the house, in the world.
And now, she is off. 

    When she was a little girl, wings were a part of every outfit.  She has a pair of white wings that were worn with pajamas, dresses, leggings and just plain underpants.   My girl could FLY!   We read stories about fairies (and later about broomsticks and Quidditch), we had a resident fairy leaving mysterious notes to be found throughout the house.  Wings were essential wear to the grocery, for a walk through town and on the playground.

     Now her wings are spread, if not visibly, at least psychologically.  College applications from all over the country are spread on her bed.  She is in Spain for a term.  Last summer she worked away from home. Last Fall she sailed to the Caribbean for 10 weeks.  All in preparation for leaving home. She is standing on the edge of adult life with her wings outspread.  Yes, she is wearing wings, again.