A weekend of goodbyes

I got up early this morning, because we went on the air early. So instead of the alarm sounding at 2:30, I was up and downstairs around 2:00. Normally I brew a pot of coffee, but not today. Instead I foraged for some food to take on the road. But before I left I grabbed a pad of paper and jotted a note to my son. He's on the left her with my daughter Courtney.

Trevor,

Have fun this weekend. I'll miss you. I'm going with the Chargers and the Packers.

Love,

Dad

Trevor and I spend time watching ballgames and talking about them. He'll be gone the entire weekend. He's spending the weekend at a college far from home as part of his ITS efforts. Both of my kids have had an interest in theater. This is an article that mentions Trevor's efforts. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/22/AR2006112200832.html

For the last couple of weeks he's been filling out University applications. As I got to work this morning I noticed an email from James Madison. They were letting me know that they got his application. I'm still in denial about the fact that this time next year he'll be off in the world some where making his mark.

I know all parents say it, but I really can't believe how quickly kids grow up. I know Trevor wants to leave. He really has to leave in a way, because he's our baby. I went through the same thing when I loaded up my car and moved away. The youngest son making a break. But now I'm on the other side. I suspect our house be quiet once we become Empty-Nesters. I know that it will be tough on me, and probably harder on Kate.

For now we still have Trevor in the house of course. Our daughter is off at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. That's a 2 and 1/2 hour drive from our home. So we can go see her any time really. That's her with her buddy Nick. But on Monday I'll be at the airport bidding her a fond farewell. She'll be off to a semester at sea. Which means she will be gone for months. It will be tough sledding for us. But she'll be in touch via email. I'll keep you updated on her travels. That way all of us can take the trip and we won't have to pay as much. So Courtney if you are reading this, remember I'm counting on to you add some color to my blogs in the months ahead. It's just one more assignment for your semester at sea!