The countdown has begun…..my firstborn is leaving tomorrow for his FOUR MONTH adventure and I’m feeling a little bit sick. This, I suppose is to be expected. It’s not exactly empty nest syndrome for me because as a divorcee, you have to learn to “let go” of your children much earlier than most because of course you have no involvement or control when they’re staying or on holiday with the other parent
But still. I am not finding it easy. In the last few days I’ve been inviting myself to do things with him. Lunches. Dinners. Drinks. Shopping (not much resistance there of course – how much stuff do they need to put in their bloody backpacks – backpack included). I changed my mind about watching things like “Midnight Express” with him because it would only freak me out – not him. He’s had advice from everyone now about what not to do but of course it is going in one ear and out the other.
All the parents have contacts, advice, interesting places to visit and they’re just not interested. I don’t blame them. They need to find it all out for themselves. But I did check a couple of days ago that he’s got somewhere to stay as soon as he arrives in Australia. But no. He hasn’t organised anything yet thinking it will all just fall into place when he arrives – so I relented and emailed my friend who has very kindly offered to have him for the first few nights.
I’ve found him my Lonely planet book on South East Asia but he says that given it’s circa 1945 it’s not going to be much use – quite probably some of the countries have been renamed let alone practical advice on which bars and hostels to go to.
He hasn’t been well though – had either food poisoning or a 24 hour sickness bug and I sent my brother a text because we’d all had lunch together – “are u feeling OK? R growing up!” – shortly followed by another text saying “sorry – meant to say throwing up”. By which time he thought I’d sent him a question about how he was feeling about his nephew growing up and moving on….
So. I’m at that stage where all I can do is give him the most enormous hug and some money and tell him to have the best time ever and get home safely then stick my fingers in my ears and shut my eyes and hope that some of the things I have taught him will be remembered when required. Including saying “thank you for having me” everywhere he stays (and hopefully not literally anywhere in Thailand).
Kelloggsville
February 20, 2012Well even my stomach rolled at the enormity of it. Consulate details are always useful (and some penicillin!). Fingers crossed for your sanity and break a leg to him (well not literally) xxxxx
Kelloggsville
February 20, 2012Ps can you say I said ‘don’t carry anything for anyone, hang onto to your own bags and drugs carry the death penalty, don’t mess with that shit’ I would really appreciate that – thanks xxx
Family Affairs
February 20, 2012Thanks – I will x
Expat Mum
February 20, 2012Oh I would absolutely be putting my foot down. I’m worried sick now and he isn’t even my son! Especially given his propensity to find himself in sticky situations already!
I’m sure he’ll be fine but I’m glad I have a few years to be in your shoes. (If I ever let mine go, that is.)
Family Affairs
February 20, 2012How putting my foot down? Bit late now……unless I try and squeeze into his backpack x
N xx
February 21, 2012“Don’t carry anything for anyone” is really good advice. Remind PM to tell you about his sister’s nightmare! It all stemmed from trusting someone too much. Just tell him to err on cautious side. He’ll have a brilliant time and is probably more tuned in than u think!!
Lynda
February 21, 2012My youngest spent 5 weeks late last year backpacking (by himself) around Laos. Money was running low so he asked us to transfer his emergency money into his account. Then it was running low again so this time we transferred OUR money into his account. Once he was home safe and sound we discovered what the last emergency was (a stolen phone half way through the trip meant only occasional emails) – he had had a suit made to measure with two silk shirts and tie as an added bonus. When we pointed out that his father has never had a made to measure suit he just commented that perhaps he should go to Asia for a holiday too and, besides, he didn’t want to look the uni student he really is at his cousin’s wedding in June so what else was he to do???? MY point is – ask what the emergency is BEFORE you transfer the money and then decide if you want to part with your hard earned money!!! A suit, another zip line trip or more alcohol does not qualify!!!
Family Affairs
February 21, 2012OK VG advice thx Lx