The winds of change are afoot for a young 18-year-old who is about to set out into the world as a college student this fall. His transition will be smoother than some since he’s used to summers on his grandparents’ farm and having extended family nearby. His US-based support network is wide.
Before embarking on this new life, he came to see us in Italy as his second trip outside of the US and Japan. The first was to our wedding in Abu Dhabi almost ten years ago. This time, he was old enough to fully appreciate all the offerings of a country with both historical roots and modern contributions.
In a similar fashion, his mother took advantage of an opportunity to travel once more with her son before he leaves the family nest. Sadly, his father had to stay in Japan and work. Still, we endeavored to show them as much as we could in terms of highlights of the overview tour of Italy and a slice of our lives in our home. It seems this was a success.
Ten days flew by with the visit of my BFF and her son, my godson. It was such a lovely time with the two of them. We did a lot, talked a lot, laughed a lot, ate a lot, but only drank a little.
I’m excited to see what the next phase of life brings to them both and feel contented that we could share a special time together in the transition. Good luck, E with your next steps into adulthood. Good luck J and K with your return to the two of you and your life together as empty-nesters.
With love always,
~T π₯πβοΈ
