Memphis Here We Come!

I had one of those "treasure those moments in your heart" occasions on Saturday night. Jill and I came home from a wedding of friends. Of course, when we got home all 3 of our teenage daughters joined mom and me in the kitchen and wanted to hear all the wonderful details.

Being the only male in the discussion--I faded to the background--and that's when the moment came. I noticed first of all how big all the girls had gotten. Stephanie, Katie, and Kimberly are now all taller than mom! I looked on this scene with such joy and shock. "How did this happen?" They are now young women. And absolutely beautiful in who they have become and are becoming.

Life moves steadily onward. It never stays "as is". It is relentless as it layers day upon day--often going on unnoticeably until it calls us to accept and adapt to one of its many inevitable transitions.

Well, tonight, one of those transitions is upon us. Ready or not. Here it comes.

The van is packed and we are taking our "baby", our oldest daughter off to college. It is a moment we have prepared for over many years. One that we held out as a goal--but one we also secretly dreaded--knowing that life once again will require us to adapt--and knowing that our oldest is taking a vital step in her preparation for HER life in this world.

The transition away from mom and dad has begun. Change is upon us. We are both happy and sad. And determined to also "treasure this moment in our hearts."

Memphis here we come--I'll keep you posted.

Comments

[Bryn]

Jeff,

I opened your blog today looking for some inspiration. I attend Summit and spotted your blog site the other day when it was posted on twitter. I enjoyed your posts and have been checking them occasionally. Today I loged on looking for some inspiration because on am facing day 3 of potty training my 2 year old son. It has been both joyful and frustrating all at the same time. At moments it seems like this will never happen, other times it is amazing the progress he's made. Thanks for putting the growing up process into perspective. I'm sure this will seem like just yesterday when I send him off to college. After reading your inspiring words, I'm ready to face another afternoon of "potty bootcamp" :) Have a great trip!

Bryn

[Laura P]

I remember meeting Stephanie for the first time when she was very small and visiting the Papes in Kzoo and wearing a cast. Congratulations Jeff & Jill on a job well done in preparing her for this milestone of college.

[stephanie]

I love you daddy! I miss you. I check this thingie all the time, its awesome. you are wise and inspiring to me even from afar...stop making me cry though!!!