We have survived! We survived my trip to Utah and Connecticut (I can even spell Connecticut without thinking--now). We survived the end of the school year and we survived Ethan leaving for Utah. I am here to tell you that families can adjust when they have too. Sadie, Ethan, and Paul can cook-if they have too! (I won't mention the half hour cell phone call from Paul; complaining that, "They don't come when you call for dinner!" "I worked so hard to get it all ready-at the same time! And then they don't come!" Needless to say, he apologized for his tradition of coming to dinner after we have given up on him and said prayer!) My worries were lightened-not eradicated, just lightened-that Ethan can follow a recipe and sustain himself. (I still think he will depend on the relatives in Utah to do a lot of his--sustaining.) They can do laundry, they can get where they need to be, they can keep the house clean and they can take care of each other. Things never go the way I plan them to go when I'm gone. And that's OK! As long as they just go-I'm alright with it. It is kind of nice to see the relief on their faces when you do come back and they know that they don't have to do Mom's job any more.
I had a wonderful time with Clark, Emily, Nolan and the girls. I felt quite torn to have to come home and leave them behind. Yes, I am one of those people who would like my family all in one place-just because I like them.
Oh, and Ethan, I know you will do well in Utah. We will miss you dearly but it is hard to be too sad when your face if full of excitement and possibilities. Our house is much quieter and I have to admit, selfishly, I will miss: "Ethan, would you pick up Sadie? (Of course, he had my car!) or "Stop by the store..." or "Can Sadie go with you?" We will try to fill your shoes with Sadie-she loves going to the grocery store! But regardless---WE WILL SURVIVE!
