Back to school

Tomorrow we head to Madison Wi to take our daughter back to school. This is her 5th year although since she took a semester off it she will actually graduate in 4 1/2 years. She has had a rough summer. We asked her to be home this summer since she has been away the past 2. She looked for a job (hardly) And I know there are not many jobs out there for part time summer help. So she slept in every day did nothing EVERY day and drove me crazy. I loved having her here. I am going to miss her. This will be our final drop off at college since neither of the boys will live in dorms. I feel sad. ANOTHER chapter is at the beginning of the end.

The end of summer or all I can do is pray

I always have a hard time the end of August. No matter how many things we did with our kids through the summer I wished that we had more time together before school starts again. It was not easy to change thought process and get excited about getting ready for school to begin.

Excitement of new classes, getting back with friends not seen since summer began and the anticipation of new friends. Shopping for new shoes and the multitude of notebooks and folders each child needed.

Life did not change so much over the years. The kids left for college and the heartbreak of the end of summer was a little more since we would see them a lot less. But children grow up and we need to let go and pray for them always.
My oldest daughter was home twice this past week both times without her husband. The first time for a cousins wedding and the second time for a bridal shower for a cousin whose wedding she most likely miss. She is at 21 weeks with twins. When she left for her home it was another chapter ending the next time she walks into our house she will be bringing babies with her. I don't expect her back before March. Hopefully we will be able to go there a few times. In the meantime I will pray.

My oldest son shot his first wedding this month. The pictures turned out amazing. I am not certain what is in his future and I worry about his relationship commitment and his job. He is struggling with money and lives in our basement. Sometimes I think he would be better off if he moved out and other times I am glad he is here since his girlfriend is here every weekend and she sleeps on our sofa. (underlined they do not sleep together under our roof.) His girlfriend is a really nice young woman. She also struggles with jobs, currently lives with her parents and hates what she does. All I can do is pray.

Our youngest daughter is getting ready to move back to college. She will finish with degrees in communications and technical theater. I worry about her paying back school loans and making ends meet and friends. This young woman is so black and white in many of her views. She lives the farthest away right now -6 1/2 hours. She is 2+ hours farther then her sister. I worry about her future. All I can do is pray.

Our youngest son is watching his friends pack up for college. He told me yesterday he is "freaking" excited about his own plans. He has no regrets about his decision. Last night he went to Wicked with his girlfriend. This was the last thing they planned to do before she leaves for college next weekend. Well, going to the theater and breaking up. When they started dating 3 months ago they made plans for this breakup. My son is leaving in December for boot camp. He wanted this young woman to be able to go and meet people and do the college thing without worrying about her boyfriend in the Marine Corps. In my head I know they are making a good decision there will be no Dear John or Dear Jane letters. They may both meet someone else or God may bring them back together. In my heart I know that we cannot turn love off like a water faucet. This will be more difficult then either of them expects. All I can do is pray.

Little Sister

Mary and her parents left on Monday for Nashville. Mary was wearing the t-shirt given to her at her 'bachelorette' Party -it says Bride of Christ. We got up to go to 7:15 AM Mass to see them off. She had several high school friends there also. And the priest made a point to acknowledge her and her parents at the end of mass. It was so beautiful.

They have not been far from my thoughts. Tomorrow they will drop off her belongings and then tour the Mother House. Before tea Mary will be taken to her cell to change her clothes and then come to tea in her postulant clothes - black skirt, white blouse and vest. Her parents will get to spend a short time with her there before the sisters leave for chapel. When the community goes to chapel her parents will have to leave. They will head home on Thursday and be back on Friday.

I tried not to cry since I know this is a joyful time in Mary's life. But I failed miserably. I hugged her in church and wept, apologizing the entire time. I can't explain my relationship with Mary. She is such a trusting soul and in my friendship with Mary - she made me want to be a better person. How is that for a 47 year old to say an 18 year old was teaching her the way.

Our friends will certainly miss their daughter. I cry more for them, then for Mary or myself. Mary has been called. God has chosen her and she has chosen this journey. So then we are called also as family and friends to walk this journey beside her. Our friends have also been chosen to walk this path beside their daughter. It is a sacrifice. Mary's parents have guiding her through the years preparing for this week before they even knew this week would come. They are prepared and joyful just as they were at their other children's wedding and at the baptism of their first grandchild just this summer. Yet there is a sadness at the same time at the distance between them.
Dear Lord keep them wrapped in your love. Help them to find the strength they need and give them peace.

Sunday and the little postulant

Today was a difficult day. I took cold medicine before bed and slept for the first night in 3 or 4 nights. (So I am emotional).

We met with C.W. at church and she talked about being with Mary as Mary has been saying her goodbyes to family and friends. They were in southern Minnesota for 3 days to see grandma and aunts and uncles. They drove home and after 12 hours home they headed to western Minnesota to say goodbye to the other grandparents. C's parents are having a difficult time with this. C told me she watched Mary make a walk through the houses and look into each room as if taking a mental picture.

They know she will be back in May but probably she will not be able to get to her grandparents homes. These goodbyes had to be difficult. C said she was glad that she was not there at the final hugs at her parents home. This weekend Mary (and her dad D) went to North Dakota to camp and say goodbye to her sister. This one makes my heart break. Sarah newly married has to say goodbye to her little sister. On August 9th D and C will drive to Nashville with Mary to say their own goodbye's.

Mary is so joyous about her calling to be a Dominican Sister. We were not surprised in the least when she told us she was called to this vocation. And as right as I know this is and how perfect the bridegroom is. It still makes a selfish mothers heart ache.
Sister Mary is a beautiful Godly young woman. She has been a beautiful blessing in my life in the short time I have had to be around her. The picture is the little sister and she would be appalled to find that I posted it on my blog :)