5am departure

I know I’ve been posting about this for a few weeks on facebook and instagram, but today the day finally came for my baby to fly the nest. With a loaded car, and a trailer carrying his motorbike Henry left at 5am. We had already done lots of hugging last night, plus tears (from me, but I tried to be brave) but I was up at 5 for one last hug and a photo.

I decided it was an important milestone in my blip journey, because Henry and I started it together in April 2015. Some of you will remember that time, when we were catapulted into a life we hadn’t quite planned, due to double redundancies, and we ended up making a new life in Norfolk. It was challenging, stressful, also a bit exciting being so near the sea. But to start with, it was just me and Henry. He was 12, starting a new school, I was 49 starting a new job. We both had to catch a bus. They regularly didn’t arrive (especially the school bus) Both trying to make friends, (Henry was more successful at this than me). Meanwhile, Jon wasn’t able to find a job, Dan was at Uni, Mollie went to stay with friends in Cambridge. We really were physically and mentally ‘all over the place’ but we all just kept going. And the blip meant we kept updating everyone from our old life with what was happening with us.

Well, exactly 10 years on, I am so proud of our family. The resilience they displayed and how they all worked so hard to make it work. And they did. We did. All grown and now successful.

Now I’m letting the youngest one follow in the footsteps of his big brother and big sister. I’m so proud of them all, and us for being able to equip them with the confidence, skills and knowledge to go out and find their way in the world. I’m looking forward to hearing soon how Henry and Phoebe are settling into their new home in Swansea, and new jobs next week. It is exciting times for them.

It is going to take a while to adjust to the new normal for me. My empty nest. I am sure for Jon too. I guess it is normal. I had a long walk this morning. It was hard getting myself to start work.

Anyway. There are silver linings. I will start decorating the bedroom, and at last will be able to offer space to guests - and hopefully they will all come back and visit us!