Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Ready...Set...

She's almost ready, this daughter of mine. Her bags are mostly packed, her to-do lists marked off. Her nerves are frayed and her spirits dampened.

She's going to do this thing. In less than 24 hours, she'll be in an airport, alone, headed for another life on another continent. And she's scared. Can't remember why this sounded like a good idea. Wonders if there's any way to get out of it.

I'm pretty sure Katie will get on the plane tomorrow. She'll land in Sydney, Australia 22 hours later, ready to spend 6 weeks working in marketing for an international environmental agency. She'll make new friends and see new things. She'll laugh and cry, be despondent and filled with elation, by turns. I'll bet that, 6 weeks from now, coming home will feel as incomprehensible as leaving does right now.

As her mother, I'm scared for her and for myself. I'm also so proud I can barely contain myself. She'll find her way, this girl of mine. She's got good, strong wings, strong enough to carry her wherever she wants to go. And home again, thank God.

8 comments:

Go Mama said...

The little one setting forth, blazing a trail already. From all accounts, Sydney should be an incredible experience for her!
What a proud moment for you.

Jess said...

I am so excited for both of you that she's doing that!! How very cool. I think traveling at that age is such a great thing to do, such a gift. Hard, too, but so worth it.

I never have made it to Australia, would love to go someday.

I hope we'll be hearing reports!

Carrie Wilson Link said...

She does have good, strong wings. Hmm... wonder who gave them to her? Best. Gift. Ever.

Michelle O'Neil said...

She is such a resourceful young woman. She's going to be just fine.

Fly Katie, fly!!!


A Nickel Creek Song comes to mind:


"When You Come Back Down"

You got to leave me now, you got to go alone
You got to chase a dream, one that's all your own
Before it slips away
When you're flyin' high, take my heart along
I'll be the harmony to every lonely song
That you learn to play

When you're soarin' through the air
I'll be your solid ground
Take every chance you dare
I'll still be there
When you come back down
When you come back down

I'll keep lookin' up, awaitin' your return
My greatest fear will be that you will crash and burn
And I won't feel your fire
I'll be the other hand that always holds the line
Connectin' in between your sweet heart and mine
I'm strung out on that wire

And I'll be on the other end, To hear you when you call
Angel, you were born to fly, If you get too high
I'll catch you when you fall
I'll catch you when you fall

[Bridge:]
Your memory's the sunshine every new day brings
I know the sky is calling
Angel, let me help you with your wings

When you're soarin' through the air
I'll be your solid ground
Take every chance you dare

I'll still be there
When you come back down
Take every chance you dare,
I'll still be there
When you come back down
When you come back down

kario said...

This will go down as an incredible experience in her life and she will forever thank you for letting her spread her wings and fly.

Who knows, maybe it will spark a fire for travel that takes her to places the two of you never dreamt of.

Journey mercies, Katie!

mamatulip said...

Oh, Jerri. I can't even imagine the emotions that must be coursing through you right now.

Dave spent a year down under and it was one of the best things he could have ever done for himself. I think the same will ring true for Katie.

riversgrace said...

As a daughter who traveled with my backpack from country to country, you are offering her a great gift of supported freedom. It will help her soul expand and deepen her vision...and grow her.

Deb Shucka said...

So happy for both of you! She'll fly on strong wings in the shelter of your strong and loving ones. Are you going to visit?