Thursday, July 19, 2007

The Goodbye Girl

"Back in the day," one of my favorite songs was "The Goodbye Girl." Now I've because "The Goodbye Girl," or maybe "The Goodbye Woman."

We just dropped Kris and Katie at the airport. He starts his journey back to the Sandbox and she goes back to Kansas. I wish I had started taking photos of our goodbyes at that airport years ago. It hasn't changed much but we sure have. Some things will never change: I still try to get that one last glance of him (now them) and still cry every time I drive away.

Kris's father has never lived in Florida so Kris flew many times as an "unaccompanied minor." He went to Paris with his father once, but I think his father flew here and they both left the US from Tampa. Kris spent a West Point summer in England; a WP spring break in Ireland; Katie spent some WP time in Greece. I don't even have a stamp on my passport. But I've been to Ft. Benning to watch Kris jump out of airplanes and for Austin's Basic Training Graduation; Ft. Bragg; Ft. Riley; MacDill AFB (the Officer's Club even); Aberdeen Proving Grounds; Ft. Knox.

One night Kris, Katie, my husband and I were out to dinner and Trace Adkins' song "And Then They Do" was playing. I mentioned how sad that song makes me feel; Kris' response was that it's a happy song -- the children are all growing up, leaving the nest and starting great lives of their own. Ah, perspective.

4 comments:

kbug said...

I've always looked at the glass as half full...guess I'm forever the optimist... but that song always makes me cry because they DO grow up and leave, and when they do, they leave quite a large hole behind...*sigh*

Sarge Charlie said...

I am sure your son feels like it is easier for him to be in the sandbox that it is for you to be here thinking of him.

Oh BTW, I did three tours at Aberdeen 1966-67, 1970-73 and 1974- 76

Debbie said...

While watching kids grow up can be hard, isn't it exciting to see them do great things? I know your heart aches, but you've done good, Mom.

Not a Granny said...

Hugs to you!! You have amazing children!! They are a reflection of their parents!!