Happy and Sad

In less than one month Jackie will be moving into her first apartment with her fiance Jason.  I'm happy for them both and yet at the very same time I'm sad to see my girl go.  Jackie has been a huge help to me while I was going to school to get my RN degree.  She was a tremendous help with her brother Brandon.  The last months since my graduation and her getting her first job and getting more independence has been bitter sweet for me.

I'm happy that she is no longer afraid of the world and has in the last year gotten her driver's license, gotten a job and had Jason move in here with us.  Though I know she is ready for this next step and I truly thought I would be ready as well, I'm learning I'm much more worried about her move and her future than she is.  She will be moving to Richmond a full 1.5 hours from home.  I know that isn't so far yet it seems like a million miles away.

Shaun moved out years ago and somehow that wasn't difficult at all.  He never was a Momma's boy, he was always such an independent young man.  I'm not sure Jackie knows just how much I'm going to miss her or if she will even miss us at all.  As much as it shames me to say this, I was so happy to leave home when I did I didn't miss home, mom or dad at all.  Granted I was only a few minutes from home when Bob and I married and moved to our first apartment.  Looking back now I'm not sure how I handled the sudden change.  I'd never been away from home before and yet from the first day Bob and I began our lives together it never felt uncomfortable.  Honestly it was as if we had been living together forever.  It was the most natural experience.  I'm sure it is just like that for Jackie and Jason.  They do seem perfect for one another and I could not have picked a nicer young man for Jackie.

This change may be harder on me than anyone but I do wish them the very best and pray that God gives them the strength, knowledge and where-with-all to handle everything that comes their way. I also pray He gives me the strength to get through this change and the poise, knowledge and support that they will need from me.  Yes as I type this tears are welling up into my eyes (sniffle, sniffle)  thinking of how quickly the years have gone by and how my beautiful baby girl has grown into a beautiful young woman.

Aren't they a beautiful couple!

The above photo is one of my father with Jackie in his arms and Shaun by his side.  I can't believe how long ago that was.

And here I am with my girl.  I'm so proud of her!  Jackie, I love you more than you will ever know!  I wish you and Jason the best the world has to offer!


UPDATE:  Change in plans Jackie and Jason will continue to live here at home until they both find jobs in the Richmond area.