We are empty-nesters. We actually have been for almost a month.
When Zach decided that Michigan State was not for him I feel that I went through a lot of different emotions. While I was dealing with all of MY feelings I didn't feel like writing. I guess now that I want to write again is a good sign. It is a really good sign.
My biggest regret after Zach left school and returned home was feeling a bit like a failure myself. I was embarrassed that he had dropped out of college (this is not something easy to admit!) I couldn't get past the fact that he was going to be home and not be at Michigan State University doing what you are "supposed" to do after graduating High School. Zach and I had a bit of a rough adjustment those first couple of weeks. I was able to talk to LOTS of different people that gave us wonderful advise and information. Just over a month ago a game plan was formed. It is because of all of the wonderful people in our lives that Zach is now living in Evanston and working at Charmers Cafe and teaching swim lessons at the McGaw YMCA. I think that he is genuinely happy with his life right now. My embarrassment of my son's decision has turned into pride that he made such a big decision. He is on a new path, one that will probably lead back to school... eventually. I know that my stepping back and letting him take the wheel of his own life has helped both of us. Don't get me wrong though, I am still quite the meddling mother! As Brian likes to point out; I need to know what's going on. I am on "Team Zach", always have been, always will be.
Sarah Jane, living in Germany. Finding it hard to speak English when all of her thoughts are in German. Truly immersed in the life she is living. Today is the 6 (SIX) month anniversary of her arrival! She has 4 more to go and they are going to be so full of friends and adventure. She and the other Rotary exchange students in her area are going on a 3 week tour around Germany. I think it is 23 cities in 21 days or something crazy like that. She will be giving herself one day to recover and then she is off to England with her school for 5 days. She is going to be one tired girl. I go to Chicago for a weekend and need a little time to recover. Sarah did find out that she will be working at camp when she returns to Fremont. Two weeks to get re-acclimated and then 4 weeks living at camp. Getting PAID for the 1st time after her 100's of hours of volunteering. I am excited to see her again and have her back in our day to day lives but hope that she takes advantage of every moment she has there!
I am pretty over the winter weather that refuses to depart western Michigan. I need Spring, I need some fun weekend adventures that don't require skis, boots, mittens, hats, coats. I am not a Winter person. I will be a lot happier once I can see green grass and feel the heat of the sun on my face!
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