A Plus Attitudes

We said goodbye to our college graduate over the New Year weekend when we moved her into her apartment. Parting is such sweet sorrow.

Returning home for some is only temporary

Our youngest child graduated from college in May 2022. She moved home and took some time to regroup before she began her job search. She took on some free-lance work and a temporary position at a design firm as a Graphic Designer while she continued job searching. She finally landed a full-time, permanent position as a Junior Designer but in the neighboring state of Ohio, 3 hours away. So, her return home was only temporary.

Moving to a new state can be challenging and stressful

Our daughter started her new job the first of the year of 2023. It was not the easiest transition. We experienced frustration and hit many speed bumps along the way. Suffice it to say, finding an apartment out of state and within a specific budget was no easy task, especially when the employer is within a 1.5 mile range of one of the largest universities in Ohio, The Ohio State. Apartments are in high demand and short supply, so as you can imagine, the prices are reflected.

Thankfully we found an apartment on the high end of her budget but in a great location and within walking distance to her employer, restaurants, grocery stores, thrift and antique shops and more.

You are merely your child’s guide in life

It’s a bittersweet feeling helping your loved one move away. As a parent, you know you are doing the right thing. You are merely your children’s guide in life. Your purpose is to raise them, protect them and help them become the strong, independent adult you desire them to be and then let them spread their wings and fly in the direction they choose. It pulls a little on your heart strings, but at the same time it reminds you that this is what is supposed to happen and you are just there to assist them along their journey called life.

Try to find the positive

I do try to find the positives in situations. One plus side is my husband and I have a new city to explore when we visit our daughter in her new place. Another positive is she has enough space that we can stay with her and not have to shell out money for a hotel when we visit.

I’m looking forward to mother/daughter time too. We are already talking about perusing thrift and antique stores to curate goodies for her apartment.

I’m feeling a little sad and lost, but I know deep in my heart this is what’s best for our child and now we get to mostly sit back and watch her thrive in her new life endeavors.