As I drove home from work yesterday, I checked in with my oldest daughter, Lindsey. She relocated to the west coast about a year ago. She's always talked about living in California or New York, so it was no surprise when she made the decision to move there.
Unlike me, Lindsey went out of state to school, and then lived far from home for her first job (and even farther for her second job). Now she's working for a company who encourages employees to work remotely, so she is set! She has the ability to work from anywhere in the world (as long as she manages the time zones).
Yesterday wasn't an easy day at school, by far. I ended up yelling at my last group of 8th graders because two boys decided to wrestle and push another one to the ground. Not my finest hour of teaching, but at least no one was hurt. (They thought it was hysterical).
As I drove home, Lindsey and I talked about lots of topics: her recent trip to LA to see a friend, her ceramics class, and when I will travel to CA to see her. I responded with a bunch of venting and whining, my struggle with imposter syndrome, and how many days left in the school year.
As Lindsey talked me through a few scenarios with some direct words (she is a clear communicator), it felt like a role reversal. I have always promised myself that I wouldn't lay my problems on my children, but this felt different. I was the person who needed someone to listen, and Lindsey was the person who could process and offer suggestions.
It really is amazing to watch your children grow into adults with glimmers of their former tiny selves. They still keep their youthful attitudes and perspectives, but they stretch and grow into people that are ready to face the world.
Sounds like you did a great job parenting! Lindsey sounds wonderful!11
ReplyDeleteNice work! Both in the writing and in the parenting department. She sounds like an incredible kiddo.
ReplyDeleteAwww. I love this. The role reversal can be such a blessing.
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