Saying Goodbye

Saying goodbye doesn't mean you won't see them again. But it doesn't make it any easier. Today we prepare our youngest son for his trip and stay in Portland, OR. I know many people that would jump at the chance to do something like that.. Me included. When  you are 22 and single, you can do a lot of things. And that is why Dustin is. He is headed to Portland to meet with some other friends.  Soon after arriving, he will find a place to stay and a job. For the past few months he has been sleeping in our basement. His attempt to save money for his move. Well, I think he has saved some money but boy has he partied. Every night and day almost. This may be due in part of his moving, or maybe just his new-found fun..No, it's not new and he hasn't just found it...He is 22 you know.
 My husband and I will help pack the U haul, make sure he has food and drinks in the cooler, and a full tank of gas and send him off. He and his buddy will drive separate vehicles across the country to arrive in Portland area sometime on Tuesday. My hope is that they will get plenty of sleep before they leave,  and stop when they are tired and sleep. They will arrive safely and call us through out the trip for progress reports
He leaves behind his whole family and friends.
 It will be hard not having him around as we have been lucky enough to see or talk to each other a lot thru the years. I look forward to visiting him on his birthday in January. I think that is what will make it easier on me. We have also planned a trip out there for next summer. We will take his sister and nephew and drive across the country and see the great sights in many different states.
I am very proud of Dustin. Many people wouldn't try and do something different. They wouldn't get away from family and friends to explore the world. It is a scary but also very exciting time for him. The  travels will be worth all the time and money he has put towards it. I look forward to seeing pictures of Portland. i also look forward to hearing the excitement in his voice when he calls to tell me what he did that day. What he learned, he saw, he heard. It's kind of like a new baby when they start to see, smell and hear.

Kathy