Thursday, July 05, 2007

21 Days and counting down

She is off. We put Kay, our oldest onto the bus, the very bus that carried her away from us. Six and a half hours away by vehicle. Away from us for three whole weeks. Sheesh that was hard.

I was ok until we actually had to walk her toward the bus and then it started. The tight throat, trying to hold the tears back. Even though in my head and heart I know this is going to be an awesome thing for her and she will come back changed, it was the hardest thing letting her get on that bus. So I went to the van and cried. And cried.



At this point, we thought a Starbuck's before heading home was definitely in order. My youngest, Tia, who's 12, was very much hoping to run into a certain Canadian Idol who's home town we were in, so she could get his autograph. Alas, he did not come into Starbuck's for a coffee. We kept our eyes peeled but no show. Maybe when we pick up Kay from the bus depot in 3 weeks she might have better luck.



God has taken care of keeping me very busy in the next few weeks. This will sure help in the missing Kay department. I started a new little guy in dayhome this week, so I'm going to be hopping. It's always a little extra work when a new little one starts. They are unsure, hesitant to just jump in and play with the others. They need help with the routines of the day and the rules that are in place. Then the middle week of the month is my maintenance week where the children don't come, but I'm still ultra busy doing things like painting, re-organizing, purging things that are not used or looking like they've seen better days. (I can see my friend Laura clapping her hands in glee!). And of course, I still have my other two that will I will be taxi-ing and amusing. Hopefully before I know it, the 3 weeks will be up and we'll be picking her up from the bus and she'll be telling us story after story of how God moved among them and everything she learned.

25 comments:

Laura said...

It really is so hard to let them go isn't it. I've only done it with my daughter for 5 days but it killed me! Hang in there!
Wish I could come help you with all your organizing, I think we'd have a blast!
I've never heard the term maintenance week? Is it something you do every month?
Have a great day!!!
Laura

Susanne said...

Laura: my maintenance week is something for my job as a child care provider. It is a paid week off of providing child care that I take so that I can do things that are hard to do with 6 little ones underfoot, such as maintaining and fixing of toys, playrooms, craft room, etc. etc.

Lisa Spence said...

We must raise em to let em go...and that's the rub at times, is it not? Praying you both will experience a time of growing and maturing. And may the time pass quickly!

Cyndi said...

I SO understand. I have been praying for you, and will continue to over the weeks to come. My daughter was gone for almost 6 weeks last summer and it was tough. But, God grew *both* of us up through it and I wouldn't trade either of our experiences for anything. I think you are a terrific mom!

Barb said...

I know you're going to miss her like crazy, but I suspect the time will fly by for you. You stay so busy, all the time, that will help.

I've never heard of a paid maintenance week every month. But I can assure you if I did what you do, that one week every month would be the one that kept me sane. LOL

I'm trying to visualize myself with a newborn to care for in nine months. I'm thinking the timing is perfect since Cameron should be starting preschool right about the same time. The thought of two intimidates me. And you have six!

Susanne said...

Barb: the maintenance week is one week a year not one week a month. Sorry that wansn't more clear.

And it is still working the dayhome but there are jobs that just cannot be done with kids around and that is the week that all that is done. I very much believe in keeping the areas where the children are upkept and fresh and the toys not broken down. This involves repairing and painting, etc.

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

You are so good at what you do. It has to be a calling God has put on your life. How blessed those kids and their parents are to have you! Do you have an association of some kind so that you can share ideas with others who have dayhomes. BTW, "dayhome" is a term that is unique around here.

Susanne said...

Linda: Thank you for your sweet words. I don't personally belong to an association but I know some other child care providers and we keep in touch and bounce ideas off each other. And I also try to take courses once in a while at a parent's resource center on different preschool things.

Anonymous said...

good attitude and I pray you are kept busy
hugs
youre doing the right thing

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry that is hard, but like you said. I'm already not looking forward to Kindergarten and that's another 4 years away! LOL At least you will be busy! :)

Anonymous said...

Praying for your peace of mind and joy in the midst of being lonely for your daughter. Blessings...

Susie said...

Praying that the time away from your daughter goes by quickly. I'm glad you have things to keep you busy in the meantime, and I look forward to hearing about her trip when she returns.

FlipFlop Mom said...

ohhhhhhhhh... Hope you know you're never alone!! All us moms have to hold back the tears... !! and then let them flow when our children are not watching.. my kids would never go anywhere if they saw me cry.. LOL LOL... Brave MOMMY!!!

Hmmmm I have no idea who Kalan porter is.. he's a little cutie!! I hope your daughter gets to see HIM!!!! That would be sooooo GROOVY!! Honestly.. I didn't know Canada and and Idol show too.. but then again.. I never watch America's.. LOL LOL

DeeDee said...

My boys are grown and the empty nest is not far from reality. I know the anxiousness that comes with the thought of letting go. It seems to be a consistent pattern from toddlerhood to adulthood! One day they're starting kinder and the next it's college. Thankfully, God neither sleeps nor slumbers. Otherwise, I would never get any rest!

Love your blog! Thanks for the invite!

Connie Pombo said...

Both my sons were always gone during the summer (sometimes on mission trips and other times away for work--like this summer!), and it never gets any easier. I mark the days on the calendar with big RED X's. I'm not sure that it passes any more quickly, but it sure makes me feel better (oh, and a little Starbucks helps too!).

I love anything with the word "coffee" in it!

Hugs,

Connie
http://www.boomerbabesrock.com/blog

Beck said...

:( I can only imagine how much you miss your daughter! It sounds like you are going to be very busy and I'm sure the time will pass quicker then you can imagine, though.

Melanie @ This Ain't New York said...

I can't imagine how hard it will be. I don't even let her get on the yellow school bus yet. :>)

Will be thinking of you and praying for her.

Jenileigh said...

I want to thank-you for your caring and sweet comments. Know that I am praying for you and your Kay when I pray for my Heaven. {{{Big Hugs}}}

Shalee said...

Oh Susanne... I know how hard this can be. But believe it or not, it goes by really quickly when you keep yourself busy.

Feel free to come on down to my place to work on our flooded basement. That will make your days fly by (not to mention make your nostrils flinch a time or eight...)

I know you're bathing Kay in prayers, so remember to give it to God. He's the one in control anyway...

Anonymous said...

Hey. This is my first visit but I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be back! I can relate to this post. My youngest will be going off to college in one month. His brother (only a year older) left last year. So I'm absorbing all I can from having them both home for the next four weeks. It's tough - but so rewarding, this parenting thing!

Susanne said...

Hi Staci, nice to "meet" you. I tried to link but it doesn't connect.

Linda said...

I'm sure the time will go quickly Susanne, but I don't think it will make you miss her less. We Moms are just funny that way.
I admire the work you do. I'm just not good at that sort of thing, but it sounds to me like you do an excellent job. You have to have infinite patience, a lot of wisom and a great sense of humor. And you do!!

Anonymous said...

Aww hugs, I can imagine I'm going to find it so hard as my little ones grow up and spend longer trips away from home, etc. At least like you say you have plenty to keep you occupied.

GiBee said...

Sigh ... your sweet one is spreading her wings and flying. And we, as mommas, just want to keep them in a cage for the rest of their lives!!! Bless you, my friend!

Anonymous said...

Okay...this will keep you busy. Figure out how to ship your friend in Kansas some chocolate!