"Wait...wh-what?!?" the mom in me thinks.
I am thrilled to have him home, anytime, cause MO is far away. You cannot easily drive there, and flying can be expensive. We miss him every day. But there is a flight to arrange, a moving truck has to be reserved, and...ahem...what about the money to pay for everything.
He is, of course, acting like it is no big deal. No problem he says. He has the flight (Tuesday a.m. arriving at SFO)...he'll call the truck place when he gets here, and, well, he has the money. The AF will reimburse him once he gets back and submits his paperwork.
Okay, we think, he really does have this thought through. Silly us.
I pick him up and it is wonderful to see him and give him a great big ol' hug. He looks tired but glad to be home. We talk about his plan and I start to realize he doesn't really know what or how to get this move done. After all, just the drive itself is daunting. Three to four days...long days...on a pretty boring interstate, by yourself. Not to mention sorting boxes and stuff accumulated over the last few years that are sitting in our garage. But it is so great to see him.
SC has a good visit with friends, sleeps late, and takes long baths (he only has a shower in his apt), looming overhead is the move. He is lucky though, cause Dad has already reserved a truck since SC forgot to do this. Then comes touchy subject of money. He figures costs and realizes that it is going to cost TWICE as much as he thought it would. He is in a bind but too proud to talk frankly and openly with us. It comes to a head, but before the discussion blows up to a huge argument, I get them to understand they want the same thing...to be heard. It is a life lesson for our son. He wants to be independent, not ask for help, and is stubborn. It can be difficult to talk with your parents sometimes...we know this...we get it. But there are times when you need help and that's what parents do...he now understands this...he gets it.
So Dad shows him he has already set up a credit line and gas card for him to cover the expenses a long time ago because he knew this day would come and SC might not have the money upfront. The reimbursement from the military will be transferred directly to the cards. Hubby is teaching him about responsibility and that it is not "free" money. Everyone is happily relieved and now we can enjoy a peaceful dinner...thank goodness!
SC left on Sunday morning...it was Father's Day. It was a very emotional goodbye this time. All his stuff was packed in a moving truck and ready to go. It feels like he is really moving out. Not like before when he always had stuff "at home". He was anxious and nervous about the drive because he has never driven so far on his own. We have armed him with travel guides, maps, a flashlight, first aid supplies....and a big bag of snacks...mama's contribution. We went over the route, made suggestions where to stop, offered cautions about traveling alone, etc...mom and dad stuff. Then we just hug and hang on to him for an extra moment or two before giving him a pat on the back and send him on his way. He is tearful and I get a huge lump in my throat. He is all grown up.
~ * ~
Epilogue.
He made it back to MO in one piece. It took three days and countless bottles of water and bags of beef jerky, but he finally got there and is all moved in. We are hoping to make it out there for a visit soon.
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