Saturday, November 20, 2010

Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye

Tomorrow evening TeenTuna returns from her European travels. I've been lucky to have been able to catch her online most days to squeeze in a 5 minute chat. She has had such an incredibly wonderful time on this trip, I encouraged her to make a mental (or actual) list of places she'd like to go back and visit again. Today, as we were finalizing plans for tomorrow (at the speed of MOM HURRY UP, WE ARE GOING OUT!), she asked me, "Do you remember when you told me to make a list of places I wanted to come back and visit?" I told her I did, and she told me, "I have my list." I was in the middle of typing, "that's great I can't wait to see it when you get home..." and she wrote "I WANT TO GO EVERYWHERE!!!"

I told her that sentence really made me smile.

Even her Facebook status tonight said although she was sad to leave tomorrow, she is leaving with great memories, experiences, trinkets, and new friends that will last forever.

As a parent, there are many time when I grumble about this trip and that trip, and being not more than a combination ATM/taxicab.  But it's experiences like these that promote education, understanding, music and cultural exchanges that remind me that it's all worth it.

I'm so proud that she was flexible enough to fit in in a new country and with a new family.  I'm impressed that she was mature enough to manage her money and keep track of all her documents and valuables.  I'm thrilled that she loves to travel so much, and has taken a bucketful of pictures, so when she comes home, she can share her adventures with us. 

Safe travels, symphony. 
I can't wait to see you tomorrow!





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