Saturday morning I woke up unable to settle into the idea of packing/cleaning. I decided to take a trip to "surprise" my daughter and grandkids. Levi and I packed up some travel supplies and headed out in the car. They live about 70 miles south of us, takes about 90 minutes.
Everyone was still asleep when we got there! They are all night owls/second shift workers. Dane, of course, is a typical teen-ager with hormone disrupted circadian rhythm and a back-at-school social life to adjust to. Levi and I went for a walk. They were up and moving around when we got back.
Their little town is already starting to decorate for Halloween! I am a total minimalist when it comes to holiday decorations so this seemed completely over the top to me. Levi either didn't notice or didn't have an opinion one way or the other.
Dane and I went into Rutland to do some shopping for school supplies. We took a walk around the downtown area -- so changed in some ways since I lived there but unchanged in other ways. This is where Kevin and Amy grew up. I'd say the city has fallen on some hard times and it was kind of sad to see. Dane and I did have a nice lunch. Little cafes and restaurants seem to be doing a good business even though most of the shops seem to have closed. We sat outside and Levi patiently (for the most part) waited at my feet in hopes that something would drop into his mouth.
Kristen had not met Levi before. She was gone for most of the summer and the last time I visited it was a solo trip. She is a major animal lover so she was immediately in love with Levi. I wish she would consider some kind of vet related work but her school related self-esteem is so low it breaks my heart,
Dane is the opposite. He was accepted at a nearby private prep school and even got some scholarship but Amy cannot come close to paying the uncovered tuition. He was so disappointed that it broke my heart as well. I know that schools around here will pay for eligible students to take college classes for credit when there are no more advanced placement options. He'll look into that.
So I drove home with a cracked and bruised heart, but also a heart filled with love from time with family.
This is a bittersweet post. I wish you and your family well. Aloha from Hawaii.
ReplyDeleteI think a break from packing and cleaning is a great idea. I'm starting that process today, and planning a visit out to my daughter's next Tuesday. I do hope my heart comes back with no damage done.
ReplyDeleteKristen sounds like she'd make a wonderful vet tech. My niece started by volunteering at a vet clinic at 13, then moved into a paid part-time position by 16. She's in her second year of university and hoping to make it into vet college. Even if that isn't for Kristen, perhaps she could find a job working in a vet clinic, that might give her knowledge and confidence to attend classes to work in an area she would truly enjoy.
As for Dane, I wish him good luck in finding a way to take the college classes he wants. It's always a shame when those who are talented and bright are limited in their options.
Everything is better than packing my dear.😁 Sounds like a wonderful day even with some sadness. As for Rutland I have not been there since 1982 so I know I'd think it's changed.
ReplyDeleteChallenges for our loved ones is the most painful. We want them rewarded for their efforts!
ReplyDeleteIt took me a bit to remember that Levi is your dog, not another grandchild. :-)
ReplyDeleteI have a son and a grandson who are dealing with disappointments. It's hard not to be able to help.
It is hard to see loved ones struggling in ways we cannot help. I guess all we can do is continue to encourage them.
ReplyDelete