Ch Ch Ch Changes

Growing up is an option - growing older is not - it just happens. And when the world around you changes more than the life at home you start to wonder where you are and where you need to be. I know - I'm being philosphical - so unlike me (snort)!

You spend your life as a parent watching your children grow up and hope that you have raised them to be responsible young adults -

Emily (who will be 24 this August) has married, made me a grandmother and is living her adult life - ok - only about 10 miles from home - (thank goodness) but once in a while she still needs me. She is an independent wonderful young woman with great ideals and goals for her life.

Stacy (who will be 23 in September) is planning her breakaway! Still living at home but not for long! She has an awesome job, has always been a saver, almost owns her car which she is paying for by herself - along with her insurance, phone, etc - you get the idea. She is a typical middle child - a beautiful young woman who always tries to see the best in everyone and fix things that need mending.

And then there is Tricia - she will be a Junior in college this fall. She landed an awesome internship this summer - working on her minor - communication/public relations and this will give her the income she needs to be more self sufficient - THANK GOD! But - I just hate those buts - she just doesn't get 'it'! She is 20 - on the deans list every quarter - has been offered a full ride for her masters at University of Wisconsin Madison - but - she can't find her way to understand everyday life needs looking at. Do those instructions come with a college dipoloma?

I know what you are thinking - Respect is taught - and we've instilled it - she just hasn't grasped the concept! So I'm back to saying things like My House, My Rules, have respect for our lives too - and my favorite "The towels cannot walk down the stairs by themselves and jump in the washing machine"!

But - come this fall - we will be empty nesters! Dang I'm old -

"Everything must change
Nothing stays the same
Everyone will change
No one, no one stays the same

The young become the old
And mysteries do unfold
For that's the way of time
No one, and nothing goes unchanged"