Wednesday, December 24, 2003

Merry Christmas Everyone

She has to be about three years old, twenty years ago.  Still believed in Santa Clause, still believed that her Mama was the smartest, strongest woman in the world!

She and her boyfriend learned yesterday that he has been offered a job in Louisville at a research center with the University Hospital.  Even though they knew he had a good shot at it, it stunned both of them.

I'm certain he will take it. 

Today I am feeling a little stunned.  Even though Louisville is only 50+ miles to the west.....it means for the first time ever, my baby will be outside my reach.  I was an unmarried mother.  She and I braved much together.  In most ways, she is the best part of me.  I'm not sure how it will be with her that far away.

But, in many ways it is a good thing.  I have a brother and a sister who both live in Louisville.  Her father lives in Louisville.  Her boyfriends father is from Louisville and he has plenty of relatives there.  As a matter of fact, Bridget and I lived in Louisville for close to ten years.  She started school in the catholic school system (is there any other in Louisville?) there.  She could very well reestablish old relationships from her childhood, because people leave Louisville, but they always return. 

Wow.  I am so happy for him.  I realize the job opportunities for Bridget are better in Louisville also.  Maybe she will follow in her Mama's footsteps and go to the University of Louisville! Ha.  That would be the greatest of all.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Mary

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

My oldest daughter, age 22, got married last spring and lives with her husband in Iowa. It's big moment when they take wings and fly. Merry Christmas.

Anonymous said...

Wishing you and yours the very best for the holidays
Gordy

Anonymous said...

As a mother of 3 (2 of which are 18 and almost 20), I dread the day they will leave me behind. I think we have to let them go with a smile to their faces and tears behind their backs. Merry Christmas.

Anonymous said...

Precious she was! Merry Christmas Mary. xo

Anonymous said...

[Hugs Alpha]
AND Louisville is closer to *me*!

Anonymous said...

Mary it does have a little hurt to it when they move. I iss my two girls alot. Anyhow have a Merry Christmas...john

Anonymous said...

Wishying you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas!
Monica

Anonymous said...

It's amazing how distances shrink between loved ones. Fifty miles ain't much...my family all lives 120 miles south, and we see each other ALL the time (maybe too much.) Congrats to her, and Merry Xmas to you! Lisa :-]

Anonymous said...

I loved your entry but I don't know the feeling. To me, the farther away the better. Moving down the road? WRONG! Moving to Africa? Hell yes! Fifty miles is nothing. I'd drive that far for a good chocolate malt. The heat doesn't come on until after I've driven fifty miles. Merry Christmas.

Anonymous said...

Just stopped by to say Merry Christmas. I just found your journal and am fascinated. I will be back when I have more time, to read through your wonderful entries.

Stop by for a visit sometime.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely pic! How bittersweet it is to see all your hard work reach fruition. But, truly, it's not over. No matter where she goes, she'll still be your little girl! --Robbie

Anonymous said...

Bridget is going to miss her wonderful Mom too. She has new opportunities in her life but she will always come back to her Mom, friend and Mentor!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Picture.
You are wonderful to be so supportive in their move, and I am sure Bridget needs to hear all the positive things, because I am sure she is having just as hard of time leaving YOU.
Kate

Anonymous said...

I know your support of them means so much. It's such a hard decision to move away. It's exciting and scary all at once. I moved away over 20 years ago...but home is always in my heart
Kat

Anonymous said...

Your baby girl is beautiful and I'm sure you know, she'll always be your baby girl. 50 miles isn't that far - just an hour away or 30 minutes if you meet in the middle.
~M