My firstborn has finally gone. Left the building. Mad panic day for him yesterday getting his last minute jabs, buying all his toiletries, getting his hair cut….all the usual pre holiday requirements. I can’t believe he’s going to be away for FOUR months. So strange.
I feel better now though – it’s not going to be out of sight out of mind, but I have no more control over his life and I can’t give him any more advice – all I can do is hope that he has a spectacularly wonderful time and gets home safely. Hopefully all his experiences will not only broaden his horizons but give him the travel bug for life that I’ve always had.
My mother rang to see how I was feeling and told me that the only advice she had given him was “when in doubt don’t do it” – I’m not sure teenage boys see life that way do they? More “when in doubt, do it” I’d suspect.
Although I’m not sure what I’m worried about – he’s actually quite sensible and yesterday I caught him checking out the links to the airport bus once he arrives in Australia with his girlfriend. He was just about to book two seats when I suggested that perhaps he wait till he got there – maybe he could get a lift or a taxi or a train or whatever….”but mum, what if the coach is full? Much better to have sorted it beforehand” – “but what if your plane is delayed -you’ll lose the money….” and so on. Hopefully it’s all in there really. All that stuff he’s learnt over the years waiting for this big moment.
His first port of call is with a friend of mine in Melbourne. He was born in Melbourne just over 19 years ago – seems like yesterday to be honest. I wonder whether he will remember any of it. I’d love to be there to show him the house where he lived and so on – but hey – we all know how boring parents can be when they take you down memory lane so he is no doubt better on his own.
I can’t decide whether I should check out his Facebook page occasionally or not – may be better to just shut my ears and eyes tight and hope for the best.
WOOHOO. He has literally just called me – they’re in transit in Hong Kong – he’s used his iPod touch to FaceTime me on my iPhone – it is just SO COOL – I can have a conversation whilst actually looking at him for free. Just brilliant. So there’s my answer then – KEEP IN TOUCH if you’re reading this….all just lovely.
DD's Diary
February 22, 2012You are brave. I’m planning to stalk my girls wherever they go …. but I will try to follow your example and restrain myself. He’ll have an amazing time x
Nicola
February 22, 2012Hope he has a superb time!
Family Affairs
February 22, 2012Thanks x
kelloggsville
February 22, 2012🙂 it’ll go so fast. Australia will be great, I’d be more worried once he’s off to Thailand and the likes but even then I think his recent brush with travel antics might calm his judgements. He’ll have a safe and great time I’m sure.
Family Affairs
February 22, 2012Yes I’m sort of hoping Europe taught him a few lessons in how not to behave Lx
Expat Mum
February 22, 2012He phoned! Bloody hell! For a boy, I am told that’s amazing.
Family Affairs
February 22, 2012Yup but he was with his GF so that makes a difference. Lx
David Ashby
February 23, 2012You’re great.you just give a boy a chance to practice his sense of independence..That a good start for a young man. EasyCAP
Bryan McHeyzer
February 27, 2012I remember when I first left the nest … exciting… that was along time ago.
Have no fear .. all will be good in australia.
Cheers
Bryan
Family Affairs
February 27, 2012I am SOOO not worried about Australia – it’s Thailand with the boys that fills me with slight dread. Lx