Changes

All my glasses have suddenly found their way back to the cupboard; there is no food debris in the sink and dirty plates left in the kitchen overnight; there’s no clothes scattered around the house.  This can only mean one thing.  The kids have now moved to University.

Joe and Luis:  Then and now!

Moving Joe into his student accommodation is such a huge milestone by any measure.  I looked on with interest at the Facebook entries at the beginning of September from the young mums whose children were starting school or were moving to secondary school.  The mums recognized that these moments were big life steps for both their children and for themselves.  I know that Caroline and I recognized some time ago that Joe moving to Uni was our own big step and had planned the next stage of our own lives.  I’m now in the unenviable position of facing this huge change on my own.  Its almost a new beginning. 

I drove Joe to Falmouth yesterday accompanied by his Nanny.  Uni life will be a step into the unknown for Joe, as it will be for any young person moving away from home.  At least he will be with a group of people many of whom are in the same boat as him and will want to make friends.  This stage of Joe’s life should be very exciting and deeply rewarding.  As a parent I have my concerns about his welfare but there’s more to Joe than meets the eye.  I’m sure he will be extremely popular and able to look after himself.  As I was carrying Joe’s stuff to his room I heard Caroline’s favourite song “Mr Brightside” by The Killers playing from the kitchen.  I had to smile.  I know it sounds ridiculous to people who have not lost a close loved one but those that have will look for any sign of their presence.  The playing of that song was a sign that Caroline was there and will be looking after her “little boy”.  Caroline was never going to miss seeing her boy starting Uni and will always be with him to lend her guiding hand.

Triolodgy

Joe spent most of the past week saying goodbye to his mates in Bristol, which involved a lot of alcohol.  For me seeing the “Triolodgy” gang spread to all parts of the country was quite sad.  Theo, Luis and Joe have been great mates since junior school.  Theo and Luis will always be part of my extended family.  Trioldgy have films on You Tube and even formed their rock band with the most fantastic rendition of “what’s that coming over the hill, is it a monster….”.  Theo is going to Manchester and Luis is studying at Bristol University

With Georgina and Joe safely installed into Uni, life will be certainly different for me. My attention now turns to how I move forward and how I fill even more time.  The easy option would be to just fill my time up working.  However, as I only know too well you just don’t know what’s around the corner.  For me life will never be the same but that wont stop me looking for opportunities to enjoy myself, meet new people and do new activities.  I am determined that I am not going to waste away.

So lots of changes for the Watson family:

·      Two years ago there were four people in our home now there’s one.

·      I am looking to move home

·      Both of the kids have gone to Uni.

·      I am trying to build my own business.

·      I have so much time on my hands that I don’t know what to do with it.

·      I have plenty of people to go out with but no one to stay at home with.

It would be easy to watch my world unravel in front of my eyes.  But I am trying to bring the issues into my own hands and take control of my own destiny – as much as anyone ever could.  I never wanted to be in the position I find myself but I need to make the best of it.  Watch this space