My children are on their first road trip together as I write this. Tara (20+) and Ross (soon to be 18) are on their way from Ohio to New Jersey to visit their father for Christmas, an 8 1/2 hour trip.
Am I sitting on pins and needles? Naaah. Sure, I'll be relieved to hear they've made it safe and sound, but I'm a firm believer that worrying isn't going to impact their trip one way or the other, so I might as well not. (The Cabernet Steve poured is helping.) Tara's driven to and from the U of South Carolina several times now. They'll be fine.
It has not escaped me however, that we've entered a new era. It feels a bit like the "Twilight Zone" and this will take some getting used to. My kids couldn't stand being in the same room together this time last year. I could barely tolerate it myself. As for Steve? Well, let's just say that Saint Stephen's Day (which happens to be today by the way) could just as well have been named in honor of MY Saint Stephen. (Thank God for Saints, right Georgia?)
What a difference a year makes! Ross has changed the most, but as we older and wiser folks know, it does take two. I now regret not having taken a picture of the two of them together on their way out the door. Today they - we - have reached a milestone in our lives. I feel tired and rejuvenated at the same time.
Is that even possible?
And is it even possible that I have two children, aged 20 and almost 18? 
P.S. I just spoke to Tara. Approximately 200 miles to go. Ross is doing a great job as "shotgun". He's in charge of snacks. They are laughing. Still.
Me? I'm experiencing tears of relief. It's the Cabernet I'm sure.
Graphic shows cartoon car, trunk and hood loaded down with luggage, driving off into the orange sunset.
"Today they - we - have reached a milestone in our lives. I feel tired and rejuvenated at the same time.
Is that even possible? "
"And is it even possible that I have two children, aged 20 and almost 18?"
I know. I know.
I'm drinking a glass of Cabernet, too.
Cheers, Connie!
Posted by: blue girl | December 26, 2006 at 07:29 PM
Cheers to you too Blue Girl!
Posted by: Connie and Steve | December 26, 2006 at 08:14 PM
:)
Posted by: blue girl | December 26, 2006 at 09:25 PM
Good old St. Stephen. Of course my favorite is St. Francis, and my favorite of his quotes is: "Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words."
Love those milestones. Congrats, Mom and St. Stephen.
We're currently in St. Mary's, PA, visiting my stepson, two grandsons, son's fiance and her daughter. That's seven people...and three dogs!
More anon...
Posted by: Georgia Whitney | December 26, 2006 at 09:41 PM
Oh, that sibling roller coaster! One day you can't stand them and the next, they know you like no one else. You love them like no one and no one can get under your skin quite the way they do!
I hope their trip goes well.
Posted by: Jennifer | December 27, 2006 at 11:22 AM
What fun for you to watch their relationship develop. (And for you and Steve to get a little alone time.)
Happy New Year!
Janet
Posted by: Janet Gayes | December 27, 2006 at 10:37 PM
Just to let you know, Tara and Ross made it to their destination safe and sound. Despite the diffences in their tastes in music, they managed to work through that issue and are STILL talking. Little miracles are happening all around us!
Posted by: Connie | December 28, 2006 at 12:23 PM
THANKS for participating in this week's Carnival of Family Life hosted by Karen at Write from Karen. The Carnival will go live on Monday, January 14, 2008, and I invite you and all of your readers to peruse all of the excellent submissions this week! Interested in hosting? Stop by Colloquium, check out the schedule and drop me a note stating which week works for you!
Posted by: JHS | January 12, 2008 at 02:30 PM