Lauren is loving Chicago
Yael, Xena's mom, drove up with Lauren to Chicago Monday and helped her move in.
For furniture right now, Lauren has a balance ball to sit on, and that's about it. Her laptop sits on a box.
Within a couple of weeks, Joe Verstrepen, the great mover here, will take my couch, two chairs, coffee table and some boxes up to Lauren in Chicago at the same time as he is moving someone else's furniture to another state.
What I want to write about today is how sweet Lauren is. Please know we're not a perfect mother and daughter. We have our squabbles aplenty, yet there are times when Lauren's love through it all amazes me.
Lauren was sixteen when she went a thousand miles away to college. You would think I'd be used to our being apart, yet, this time, just thinking of her not being next door, has been hard for me. I know better, and, of course, this was inevitable to happen. It would happen in a few months anyway when I am on my way to Argentina. It would happen one way or another anyway.
For those of you who have daughters, have you experienced when your daughter becomes like a mother?
I'm not sure everyone will understand this, Lauren's tribute to me, for it is like a play within a play. Here it is:
The night before Lauren left, she came over to my place. I was in bed, and she called up to me, "Do you want a lullaby?"
I yelled down, "Yes!"
And she came up and sang Rock a Bye Baby to me in silly words she made up as she went along. She did it for me. It seemed like a thank you. It seemed like an understanding. And it was a good-bye too.
I could have asked her for a story as well, but it was late, and I knew Lauren still had a lot to do.
Comments
The area of Chicago I live in is really magical. There are more dogs here than I have seen anywhere ever. And everything I need is within walking distance so far. Lots of restaurants, two drugstores, a Radio Shack, a grocery store, etc, etc.
I am right next to a huge, beautiful park, and the lake. There are seagulls and gardens, and it is just beautiful.
And people are friendly here. I went to the grocery store for the first time yesterday, and bought some bulk fruits and vegetables. You are supposed to get them weighed before you check out, and I didn't know. The checker sent someone to go weigh them, and didn't say anything - she was just happily taking care of it for me.
Best of good fortune, Lauren, and all of God's blessings!
I was just wondering how Lauren was. I sent an email to her on Monday or Tuesday and thought maybe the email wasn't connected yet. I said: "Congratulations on your new adventure" or something like that" But if she is replying to this, she must have email. So the whole thing is moot. Anyway, glad the move have transpired and Yael drove up with.
Just saw a thing in the paper about a new airline that flies dogs and cats exclusively. They are booked up for two months already.
Eat a hot dog for me, Lauren.
Jacqueline, Lauren has her laptop with her and it is connected, but her email was going to her home computer only. I just closed down her email on her computer here, so she will be receiving all emails from now on.
I know she had wanted to call you before she left, but everything got chaotic, as you can imagine.
Yes dear Gloria The cdhildren are growing upand it is strange when they leave. We have 1 daughter in England one in Brisbane 1200 miles away and one other about 1100 miles. Our youngest son lives in Seattle but coming back to Australia in August after a 3 year contract that extended to 6 years. Our eldest son lives next door with our daughter in Love and fwo beautiful grandsons In February they all congragate at my 2nd daughter to celebrate Mieke's 75 th about a month late but from England that was the only time they could get a cheap flight. We are looking forward to the reunion same as on our 60th wedding aniversaty they all came together amd organised a reunion on a tropical Island here on the Great barriere Reef. The whole Family is on Facebook so they are still communicating and loving each other LIFE IS SO BEAUTIFUL we enjoying every minute of it so be happy as Lauren is happy and you will see each other on visits. she is still on the same planet and there are Planes Cars and trains. BE Happy and keep sending GODS love around the world Love to All Jack
WHAT A GREAT PLACE TO BE.... HAVE SOME DEEP DISH PIZZA FOR ALL US IN CLUBFITNESS...... SOME DAY I HOPE THAT WE WILL BE THERE IN THE GREAT PIZZA CITY IN THE WORLD..... HAVE A GREAT TIME..... GOD BLESS LUCINDA AND ROB MEYER (CLUBFITNESS)
Wow, Lauren, you make me almost envy living in the city. And think of the core training, with only the exercise ball as seating ... LOL.
So glad that there are dogs, parks, a view (I love Lake Michigan ... tell you what, next time I'm in Saugutuck, I'll give you a wave!)
Maybe we can meet sometime. There's a train from here to Chicago that I love to travel on ...
thansk all of you for your comments.
I have not had Chicago pizza yet, but it is definitely on my list.
And Pam, come visit anytime.
We are not thast old yet It was our 50th wedding aniversaty not our 6oth I should reread what I type but then I get embarrest about the spelling so I skip that Love you ALL Jack