I haven't experienced the separation anxiety that I thought I might now that my lovely girl no longer lives at home. In 2008 she travelled the world and for a while there, I was a total mess. She'd lived at home all her life. We are incredibly close and the thought of her traipsing through the Amazon was horrifying. If it hadn't been for internet cafe's, Skype and Facebook, I'd have completely lost the plot. Old as she was, I just wasn't ready to sever the apron strings and the relief of having her back in the country was overwhelming.
However, when she announced a readiness to make her own way in November 2010, it was just right. I guess after having a month in each other's company and no arguments other than me complaining in Paris one day after walking for hours in search of a Lonely Planet Guide recommended tea house, we got on like a house on fire. She'd matured, wanted to cut her own path in the world, as she should and more importantly, I was ready to let go.
She'd made the decision and I was fine with it. Found a flatmate, someone she barely knew for a 'fresh' start and settled into a lovely flat overlooking the harbour. Well it would be a lovely view if there wasn't a huge Jacaranda obscuring the view it but she'd prefer the possums and Rainbow Lorikeets. I guess come winter she'll have a nice view of the North pylon of the Harbour Bridge. She was fortunate that her flatmate had most mod cons and all she needed was her enormous TV and her bed and frankly, I've never seen her happier.
Surprisingly she does know how to operate a washing machine, keeps a clean and tidy house, has developed a penchant for nice bed linen and even ventures into the culinary world by actually cooking once in a while (helped in no small way with a little 'beginners' cookbook that I made for her on Blurb). Ha! I guess that makes me a published author. Although I am looking forward to spilling coffee on her carpet and leaving dirty dishes in the sink. Oh wait, I managed to fall over drunk and split my eyebrow and have never properly met her flatmate.
We talk daily via phone or email. She's home at least once a week and only 20 minutes away so very accessible and of course, I still have my lovely Adam and Amy at home so not quite an empty nester yet. Although it will be mighty quiet once he's left the roost.
I guess it's all in the timing.
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| Apero on the Balcony |
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| Shady retreat |
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| Kitchen (Not sure what "Wally's" sorry for but there's an apology on the blackboard |
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| Living Room - Compact but comfy. And yes, that is a cleaning product on the makeshift coffee table. Who'da thunk it? |
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| Yes somewhere behind that tree is the Harbour Bridge, so close you could spit on it So, I am left with . . .
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20 comments:
A chocolate eclair of a post - perfect to read with my morning cuppa.
nice place shes got and good for her...and good for you mom..smiles.
What a great place she has. It's great that you are ready for her to live on her own. When my daughter (all of 12 now so I have a ways) was younger, she used to tell me that she wanted to go to University in the same town we lived in so she could always be near me. Funny, she doesn't say that anymore.
Seems like you've done a great job preparing her for this step. I hope I do as well when it's my turn.
Isn't that what it's all about in the end Baino? Growing up, moving out, moving on? Starting the whole cycle all over again?
Lucky lucky people.
That kitchen almost blinded me, so clean and shiny. Even mý mother will be proud of her.
Her place looks lovely. Your photos make me long for Summer :-)
They do leave the nest...it is the way it is supposed to be, but that doesn't make it easy.
Great digs! So very nice!
I think I should like to have a fruit and cheese tray like THAT for lunch today please!
Your children are handsome and I certainly see YOU In that first photo of Clare.
Nice flat. And a nice leafy part of Milson's Point. Glad you're happy about her leaving home, that the time was ripe for her to go.
My daughter left the nest 28 years ago and I still miss my baby. It didn't help that she moved to another state and I am lucky if I see her twice a year. Sigh!
The Godiva chocolate of posts, so sweet and good for both of you since neither growing up nor letting go are easy.
Lovely flat, too!
A daughter is forever, no matter what roof may be over her head. Mine gave me a book of logic and lateral thinking puzzles for Christmas, telling me I had to keep my mind sharp because she'd lose her mind if I lost mine.
Nice post Mum, don't be so surprised I can clean though - the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! I miss you and Ads, especially when I'm having a drink on the balcony. Apero isn't the same without you guys.
Clare if you sign in with your Spesh URL you don't have to be anonymous then I know who it is. Then I guess 'Mum' gave it away. Miss you too petal. Apero in the park, you, me and 250,000 others. Saturday! Be there or be square.
I think you're both lucky to be so close - emotionally and physically. and the apartment looks lovely and very clean
Lovely photos all..... and what a nice place! I remember my first shelf that held a second-hand TV was made from bricks and planks!
You done good Baino.
What a lovely little place! Balconys are great, somewhere with a view and shade, to sit and watch the world go by.
I think this is what fate has been waiting for, As soon as Adam goes, your place will sell.
Ah, I love posts like thius-so nice to get to know you better by extension of your children. Yes, through my sudden separation I went through a forced, out of th blue, type of empty nest syndrome where my kids were not with me any more and only seeing them once a week due to no room in my place or finances etc. VERY hard on top of all the other existing heartaches, add the fact I lost my pets then too--it was to much. now, things are settling somewhat and kids are really starting to leave home, I feel like i;ve already dealt with the worst of it--prematurely as it was. I wish you and yours the very best there, Baino.
Looks like a lovely pad, btw.
btw, that spread or cheese and crackers looks amazing. well taken photo too. Mmm...
That's a really nice first home away from home.
You're a beautiful Mum and one that is clearly much loved.
I see you've had one go and gained another.
I don't imagine you to ever be alone.... you're too lovely for that.
x Robyn
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