Nearly Outta Here

I wonder if Roxie can hold her water for eight hours? We’re taking her too.

hollywood sign from mullhulland dr.jpgSouthwest allows two 50 pound bags per passenger… you know, the way it used to be. That means we’re flying with 300 pounds of luggage (plus carry-ons) as we take Stef to SoCal in the morning.

I wonder if Roxie can hold her water for eight hours? We’re taking her too.

We are a family that cries at commercials. I hate Walmart and I still cry every time I see this! So you can only imagine the emotional roller coaster we’re on as our only child gets ready to move three time zones away.

I know Stef is apprehensive. It’s a helluva step. We have total confidence in her. She will grow to appreciate how smart and fast she is. That will serve her well. She will compete favorably in an increasingly competitive world.

Helaine is nervous too. Stef is more than her daughter. In the months since Stef graduated they’ve grown closer. They’re still mother and daughter, but also friends and companions.

My wife is a list keeper–a planner. This move is well planned and has already been in motion for a while.

rav4 in sherman oaks.jpgAll Stef’s boxes, save one, have arrived at my secretive friend’s house in The Valley. The last box is due tomorrow. Stef’s car came today. My friend emailed me a photo as it came off the car carrier.

If he would let me mention his name I would publicly thank him. He already knows how eternally appreciative we are for his friendship and assistance.

Originally I thought I was tagging along because it would be wrong to leave me home. Now I realize I’m a hired hand. There’s a bedroom to be painted, furniture and a TV to be purchased and all sorts of errands to be run.

Things are different in the 21st Century. We’ve got cell phones and computers and Skype. Communications have never been better. We’ll be closely in touch.

It’s just won’t be the same.