by Wendy Joy
My son is going abroad in seven days. He will be studying in Italy.
For the last six months I have been asked from numerous people when and if he is going and of course where? The joy and excitement in the other parents voices is over the top and I answer in an equally excited voice. In moments I am given advice on great hotels, restaurants, museums, shops...you name it. "Are you visiting once or twice?"...."we went twice and stayed at the ------- it's in the middle of town near all of the shops and the shopping there is incredible." "You have to go to the --------store and buy these specially made leather jackets........you will flip."
I want to stand up and say to these incredibly well intentioned people that I AM flipping. I am flipping because my son is leaving for four months. I know he is not going off to war and I am not at all worried about his safety....He is strong, smart and capable. I am going to miss his guts!
When I think of getting on that plane in March and visiting him, all I can think about is holding his face and hugging him until he pulls me away. All I can think about is staying quiet so I can listen to all of his stories and situations before I have to get on a plane again and leave him for another month and a half. All I can think about is why can't a semester abroad be three months long? Why four?
Don't get me wrong.....I'm happy my son is going and I know this will be an experience of a lifetime. I listen to him with any concerns he may have but then I reassure him of the adventure that is right in front of him. He will be visiting different cities every weekend with two of his friends, going to see other friends that are also abroad. He is very excited to go and I am very excited for him.
But there is a part of me...the part that never rushes time....the part that enjoys each and every moment....that is excited for May.
