I contemplated all weekend on what kind of photo I could use for today’s post. You see, our kids left for Florida yesterday morning and I needed a photo that would convey our sadness but I wasn’t about to post a crying photo because that’s too personal. And also, I don’t look pretty when I cry.
And then, Monday morning, Mother Nature provided me with just what I needed.
Puddles. To represent the many tears that Dale, Hannah and I have been shedding.
And heavy, gray clouds. To represent the sadness that is weighing on our hearts.
Brant, Heather and Ambrynn were actually planning on leaving Sunday morning after sleeping at our house Saturday night, but they were exhausted from all their packing and last minute errands so they decided to postpone their trip and leave on Monday morning instead. This actually gave us a wonderful day together on Sunday, complete with a Dale and the Duds concert to send them off in style. Except, of course, that Dale dedicated “On the Road Again” to the kids and the whole family started blubbering. It was all just so emotional and overwhelmingly sad and I was a big old mess. Ambrynn, sweet little thing that she is, lightened the mood right up, though as she yelled “Yay, Grampa” repeatedly when he finished singing.
So this little family has started a new chapter in their lives and I suppose we have, too, because we are now long distance parents. And it sucks. Despite the hurt we feel, we did what parents are supposed to do – we let them spread their wings and fly away.
This letting go is awfully hard but we sent them on their way with love and hugs, prayers and wishes for a safe journey, and a huge bag of junk food for the road trip. Along with whole bunch of sobbing after they drove away.
DebbieB Said,
I’d come over and hug you if we lived closer. Pretend I do and I did.
Kathy Said,
I have been thinking of you, knowing that this was coming up. xoxoxxoxox.
Kate Said,
Oh, I was afraid that this move was coming soon. I can’t even imagine how hard this is…
I remember something my nana once told me:
“if you love your kids, they will always know ‘home’”.
*ahem* JetBlue sales are starting…:)
margene Said,
It’s so sad, so hard, to have those you love live far away. I’m sending a big hug to you. Hopefully you’ll enjoy a FL vacation from time to time.
Karen Said,
It’s so hard to live away from those you love. I’ll have good thoughts for all of you.
Annie Said,
So hard. I can’t even imagine…
Beth Said,
I feel so bad for you, Dale, and Hannah. It’s hard.
Manise Said,
I was thinking of you all on Sunday. Glad you had the extra day together. XXOOXX That’s great family photo!
Jenny Said,
I know it will be tough!-when i’ve had rough times, knitting has been one of my best friends!!
I’ll be thinking of all of you!
Kirsten Said,
I’m thinking of you Carole. It must be so hard to let them go. I hope you have the chance to take a lot of trips to FL.
Kelly Said,
I can only imagine how difficult it must be. Sending so some hugs your way.
Donna Said,
Oh big hugs out to you Carole! Our neighbors also moved down south yesterday (Alabama) and all I could think about was how their parents were handling it. It’s always hardest for the ones left behind.
Amy Said,
{{big hugs}}
Erin Said,
You’re just going to have to plan lots of road trips down to Florida! After all, who doesn’t want to go to Florida when the snow is three feet high?
elizabeth Said,
Carole, I know how sad you must be. But you really have to see the bright side of this: Vacations in Florida. Summer can happen in winter! And seeing your family is just an added bonus!
And if you drive there you can hit all of those great roadside attractions. And you can count the Waffle Houses and Cracker Barrels as you go!
Chris Said,
I know how hard this is for you, having seen mine fly earlier this year. Just know they are still in your heart and loving you all the more because of the distance. Email photos often!! And plan a Florida vacation soon. None of that eases the immediate pain but it gives you something to focus on.
Carrie Said,
I’ve always thought that kids who have the strength to go where their opportunities take them were raised right. Doesn’t make it easier when they go, I suppose, but good job, Mom. (Think how great it will be to get out of the car on your first visit and hear Ambrynn shouting, “YAY, Gramma and Grampa are HERE!!”
Kristi aka Fiber Fool Said,
Speaking as the only child of my family to have “spread her wings” the tears and pain often go both ways, at least a little. You and Dale have been amazing parents and grandparents so they are sure to soar! ((((((HUGS))))))
sean Said,
:::::hugs:::: what more can be said?
blogless sharon Said,
how sad, I hope they have a safe trip and health and success in there new venture.
Carol Said,
Cyber parent hugs to you guys
If there’s one thing I learned as a parent, is that from the day they’re born, it’s a whole series of “letting gos”. Sucks royally too…
Lisa Castellano Said,
It does suck. I married a Navy guy and we always live several states away from my Mom in Weymouth and my husband’s parents on Long Island. Remember that you are their anchor (no Navy pun intended) for their past and memories. Send care packages- even if it is stuff from Mass. that they can get in FL (I especially love anything from the Christmas Tree Shop that my Mom sends!) and send Ambrynn all sorts of silly girl stuff (my 15 and 11 year old girls LOVE packages from Grandma. Now sit down with Dale and start planning when you are coming to visit them!!
PumpkinMama Said,
I was actually thinking of you this weekend…wondering. You and Dale are good parents, and will continue to be, even through the miles, I am sure.
Lisa Said,
Think about that first trip to Disneyworld with Ambrynn!
Sending hugs your way.
Cara Said,
Get yourself, if you don’t already have one, a credit card that gives you air miles for an airline with good flights down there – and SPEND SPEND SPEND!
Seriously, though, I’m sorry. It must’ve been very sad to see them go. I’m only an hour or two away from my family and sometimes it just kills me!
maryse Said,
i was thinking of you this weekend.
kate Said,
Oh. I’m sorry. After spending 4 years an ocean away from my family and now being an ocean away from my husband’s family, I understand and am thinking of you.
maryse Said,
and florida sucks
they’ll be back
christine Said,
(((((((hugs))))))))
I think you need to go buy some yarn to make yourself feel a little better. Some sock yarn, perhaps.
Hillary Said,
Oh Carole, i feel so sad for you right now. I’m sure that it will be really hard having them so far away.
Beth S. Said,
I’m so sorry, Carole. I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been for you to say goodbye… But I agree with Maryse! (I was born there, so I can say it!) My dad’s whole family still lives in Florida, but my folks high-tailed it back North right after I was born… and with any luck, your loved ones will too.
It’s just too damn hot there.
Vicki Said,
Lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of hugs to ALL of you.
Ruth Said,
It IS hard, all the way around. Big hugs to you and Dale …..
Jessica Said,
Big hugs to you! And best wishes to them as they look for a better life down south.
Kat Said,
Carole, I cannot even begin to imagine! My heart aches for you!!
Wanda Said,
Oh, sweetie, I know that was so hard for you all. All you can do is let them fly their wings and go on with life. It’s definitely hard for all involved. I’m glad you got to spend the extra day with them. I hope they’ve made it there safely. Looks like you will be making trips to FL perhaps in the winter?
Jess Said,
As a “flown” child, I’ve been having a rough time the past few days. Missing my family so much. I almost cried myself reading your post! It’ll always be hard but you can make it work.
Esther Said,
I was afraid to ask if this was still happening…I’m so sorry – it will be difficult but hopefully you will all get in some kind of “visiting” schedule…thoughts are with you my friend.
elizabeth Said,
I have that feeling every time I leave after visiting my mom in Indiana. I’m glad you were able to keep the tears mostly inside until they drove away, it’s very hard to leave and even harder when your parent is crying. I hope their trip was uneventful and that you get to see them often! *hugs*
Cookie Said,
Hannah knows she’s never allowed to leave, right?
I’m sorry, Carole, but I’m so glad that you all had Sunday together. Maybe Dale and the Duds can take their act on the road. ;^)
♥
Karen Said,
Aw, big hugs to you Carole. I understand how you feel.
knitnana Said,
I’m so sorry. I know it’s hard. I do – Mine are on the opposite from your kids – they’re in New England…
I’m sending you tons of hugs – there’s not much else I can do.
(((((((hugs)))))))
Rachel Said,
Carole, I’m so sorry that they had to move away. It’s difficult to do something like that, but I know they are doing what they think is best for their little family. I wish them (and you) all the best, because I know that moving away is tough. Take care.
Kathleen Said,
hugs to you all.
Dave Daniels Said,
Aw, Carole. Nature’s Tears is a great photo to represent what you are saying.
Chris Said,
The puddles and clouds definitely evoke sadness. *hug*
Kim Said,
I feel your sadness all the way up here
. Hugs to you and Dale!
Adam Said,
My heart goes out to you and Dale, Carole. I know how I broke my parent’s hearts when I went off to college, and that was only an hour away. Take care :-\
JessaLu Said,
*hugs*
Liz K. Said,
Oh, let me just offer my shoulder too. We just left my mother-in-law (who also lives in Florida) and we all miss her terribly. Your relationship will undoubtedly change, but it will still be wonderful. I’m sure Ambrynn just blossoms in your and Dale’s presence, and that will always be true.
kristi and otis Said,
Thoughts are with you – just think – Florida visits – hooray!
sandy Said,
It appears that your tears are catchy. I have some too! I actually do feel your pain! Hugs to you.
Um. When are you going to Florida??
xoxo
Jan Said,
*Been there* It isn’t easy, but the trick is to try to focus on how exciting this change will be for them…a fresh start in a new place!
(It would be hard to say goodbye to that little cutie, Ambrynn, though…you need to get webcams for both ends.)
Debbie Said,
It’s wierd how nature can reflect our feelings. But, just wondering… Will Brant be wearing flannel in the hot Florida sun too??? I’ve been thinking of you & Dale… See you on Wednesday.. Love, Debbie
Sara Said,
Carole, I so feel for you and yours…I was a basket case when my daughter at a month before her 21st birthday moved from our home in Tampa, FL to Phoenix, AZ…
I cried buckets of tears as I am sure you have…but we are doing what we as moms are supposed to do…but, it does suck!
Jennifer Said,
*hugs*
Susan Said,
*hugs* I’m so sorry that you and your family are so sad.
Kris with a K Said,
Start getting those ‘care package’ (or as we call them in our family, ‘happy, fun boxes’) ready to go! We always include bendy straws, because you just can’t have a bad day with a bendy straw! I send boxes of 100.
amanda Said,
hugs to you, dale and hannah
Teyani Said,
hugs and love to you – I would have been sobbing buckets too.
jessie Said,
So sorry, Carole. That has to be hard. Christmas is going to be extra special, though, I bet…:-)
Debi Said,
There are no words to comfort you so I shed an empathetic tear and wish them godspeed. At least you’ll have email and videos, imagine if this were even 20 years ago!
Laurie Said,
You blog the perspectives well. Not much else you can do. I’m sad with you.
Sylvia Said,
Remind me to tell you about the cat books my mom wrote for my daughter while we lived away.
Does Ambryn have a CD of her grandpa’s music?
ann Said,
in addition to the frequent flyer miles, Jet Blue etc. may I suggest a cable phone line? My long distance bill was outrageous and we switched over to a phone number through our cable company. You can call all the time, anytime.
Leah Said,
OMG, Carole! You’re breaking my heart!
I have always lived long distance from my family. As a result, my kids are under orders to never move out of state. We’ll see how long that lasts.
Hugging you!
Robin in VA Said,
I understand your pain…and all I can do is offer you BIG “cyber-hugs” (((())))!
Leslie Said,
Aw, what a hard time! Hopefully at some point they’ll be able to return to you. It’s especially hard when a little one is involved. Thank goodness for email, webcams, all the technology that connects just a little bit better. Hugs to you!
vanessa Said,
carole, i’m glad you had one extra day.
gale (she shoots sheep shots) Said,
Credit card w/frequent flyer miles? There’s not much else to say but I’m sorry, as much as my guys drive me crazy I can’t stand the thought of them being far away.
scout Said,
I haven’t wanted to come here because of this. It makes me so sad for you.
XOXOXO
~Kristie Said,
I’m not a hugely emotional person, and I don’t think I’ve ever cried reading a blog post .. until now. I wish I were there with you to comfort you, but just know that even though I’m thousands of miles away, my thoughts are with you. Take care my friend.
Alarming Female Said,
You know, my youngest is seventeen, and I often find myself weepy with the notion that “this is our last summer of childhood” or “the times we’ll do this (whatever “this” is) are numbered.” I never expected to feel this way ~ I’m sure the divorce plays into it ~ but anyway I guess I’m saying I think I feel some of your pain.
Liz (the crazed weasel) Said,
oh, my; that was a hard one. Hugs.
Bookish Wendy Said,
Blech, blech, blech. And stinkers too.
I’m sorry. ;(
BigAlice Said,
I’m so sorry they’ve moved so far away. I miss my family all the time.