This weekend has long been circled on the calendar by the three younger ones: the Great Room Shuffle. After 10 years, Erika and Natalie will no longer be roommates, but will still share a bathroom. Ryan is moving into Amanda’s room. (Natalie has a trundle bed for Amanda when she comes home.)
Kara has spared no effort in re-doing and painting the rooms. Amanda helped with the lettering. Doesn’t it look great? 
I have been looking forward to this time too, but have also been dreading it. For over 90% of our 20 year marriage Amanda has lived with us; we’re kind of used to it. In so many ways she defines our family and it just can’t be the same with her living 1,500 miles away. I am excited for her, but I wonder if she is ready. Have we taught her enough?
Yesterday Ryan was setting up his bed in Amanda’s room while his sister packed the last of her things. These days I don’t say much that doesn’t need to be said, but in this case I made an exception. I said, “Amanda, you may be going to off college but I want you to know that this is still your room; you can always come home.” She smiled and said she already knew it. I’m glad she learned that.
2 comments:
She is ready. You have taught her enough. For now, that is. You will continue to teach all of your children. You may not know that you are teaching, but they will, and they will treasure it. You are that kind of a Dad.
this makes me cry.
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