Thursday, October 14, 2010

Migrating Parents

Tonight I am staring yet another long weekend in the eye - with mixed emotions. It's migration time for my snowbird Dad and his wife; they leave for their Florida home tomorrow. That means I'll beep at a dark empty house as I speed by on my way to work. There will be no afterwork impromptu drop in visits and no hugs for the next two months. Debating the upcoming municipal elections with my Pops long distance will have to do.

It's the classic "you don't know what you have til it's gone" syndrome; only I know what I have and I miss it when it's gone. At my age I realize what a blessing it is to still have at least one parent alive and thriving. And as he so often reminds me, our relationship extends past that of father-daughter and has become one of close, dear friends. No mandated, obligatory relationship here ...

So we had our "last supper" of sacred meatloaf and communal wine tonight and said our farewells. Pops and I do the good bye dance really well -- NOT! We embraced tightly (but briefly) and kept it light. I hugged the ladies and we all agreed that time will fly and that they will be home before we know it.

Let's hope so. Travel safe my dear snowbirds.

5 comments:

  1. Lyn,
    oh my. what a beautiful post. the photo of you and your dad (happy thanksgiving) shows the deep love you have for each other. (i love that photo).

    It must be a good feeling to know though, that he is so healthy and happy. You'll see him soon.

    p.s. my daughter did the same thing to our sink, only red. haha.

    ReplyDelete
  2. First, thank you so much for all your beautiful comments on my blog. Your posts always make me incredibly happy.

    I can imagine how hard it is to have your parents migrate to Florida. I live in the DC area and hate that my parents live so far away in Vermont. Every time I visit it's bittersweet because I "remember" how much I miss my mom and hate to leave to go "home". It's such a debate because my husband and I would love to live closer to my mom but that means moving away from my sister - and I love them both!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think it's really beautiful that you and your father consider each other friends. I wish more people were close to their elders!
    I hope this winter flies by for you and your snowbirds return home safe and sound!

    ReplyDelete
  4. So hard to say goodbye...even if just for the winter!!! So great, though, that you are so close!! You have a beautiful family! I love hearing about it!!! Have a wonderful weekend, dear Lyn! ~Janine XO

    P.S. BEAUTIFUL PHOTO!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow, this post was beautiful. I only hope that my own father and I can have a relationship like you and your dad have--as true friends!
    -Lisa

    ReplyDelete