Movin' On.......

I couldn't help but name this post "Movin' On". The Rascal Flatts tune keeps going through my head and it so appropriately fits. Of course, their song is about a broken heart trying to move on and start anew. My oldest son is getting married in 3 days, so my reflections on "movin' on" are from my somber feelings about my firstborn child's leaving home.

Okay, keep in mind that I love my future new DIL, my son is almost 26 yrs. old, and he has been away at college nine months out of the year for the past several years, so I'm used to him being away for several weeks, sometimes months at a time. But, college was so different. I knew he would be coming back. And he did, repeatedly. The whole family has got the moving in to/out of a college dorm down to a fine art. I will not miss dragging his things in and out again........at least, to the university.

Yesterday, his dad, brother, and myself moved Jay and Jamie's furniture and some of their wedding gifts to their new apartment in Louisville. It's a lovely apartment! We simply unloaded things, sat them in the appropriate rooms, and left. I am not going to be a bossy MIL by putting things away in my DIL's home. I very fondly remember how that is part of the fun of having your own "first home".

We were in 2 vehicles, anyway. We took my car loaded to the gills and had a F-350 Ford truck and enclosed trailer filled to capacity, as well. Would you believe that while we were unloading, my brother called needing a truck picked up? My brother works at a Ford dealership and they had just so happened to have located a specific truck for one of their customers in Louisville, KY. While they were in a dilemma trying to figure out how to get the truck to their dealership, my brother suddenly remembered that we were headed in that direction. So, guess what? Our a little caravan grew to 3 vehicles on the way home that included a fabulous 2008 F-350 truck. That bad boy stickers for $50,000+!! BEAUTIFUL!!

I usually think that people are crazy to spend that kind of money on a truck (or any vehicle, for that matter) but, oh my, it could easily be something I could get used to. I know that picking up and delivering a new truck is not on most people's itinerary but is isn't that unusual for me. My dad sold new Fords/Mercuries for 39 years. I've gone on many trips to get a car/truck located at another dealership. We usually took something to trade but this time, it was just bought straight out.

I know I shouldn't admit this but it tickled me to no end to do that. Jay drove the new truck home with his little brother riding with him. We traveled together, talking on our cell phones to each other when needed. I was in the lead because I set my speed control while on the interstate. There were so many state troopers out in KY and OH because of the July 4th holiday.

This sound so redneck but I don't care. My brother has no idea how much it meant doing that little favor for him. We used to use CB radios when I was in my teens and early 20s doing this sort of things. Cell phones are much cooler by today's standards. And I LOVE WITH A PASSION Ford trucks!! So, to have that bigger, badder gorgeous big truck in my rear view mirror with my guys following me was like having a big warm hug. Just doing it together is all I needed.

Jay will only be home for maybe another night. There are so many things to do before a wedding. He has many things to tend to. My, how I will miss him! Sweet, sweet memories about my cute little blond, curly-headed boy keep going through my mind. I'm grateful, so very grateful for each of my children and am thankful for every day they have been in my life.

He is "movin' on" to a new life as a husband to Jamie and as a new band director. He has worked so hard to get to this point in his life. I'm so proud of the kind and decent young man that he is. I know that he will be so successful!

I'm "movin' on" to embrace this almost empty nest to enjoy what few years (and I mean very few!!!) I have left with my teenage son. He is already 15 and his brother and sister have reaffirmed what I already knew.........time keeps right on "movin' on".