STORM2K

They say one thing you can count on in life is that things are going to change. Just when you get things settled into time and space, the cards get shuffled and a new hand is dealt.

With a sparkle in his eye and a kick in his step, my youngest son is about to pick up stakes here in Phoenix and head west to live and work by/with/for his brother. While the father in me lets their differences put up more questions than answers concerning the decision, I can't help but enjoy the sense of adventure and confidence I see in them giving this a try. For whether it works or not, and how it all plays out, it is a reward of sorts to see these two decide to tackle and challenge life in this way. At stake is the foundation for their future relationship. Also a litmus test for just who they are and who they will become.

In a way, however, a really good friend will be shaking my hand and looking for my blessing when he walks out the door on Thanksgiving weekend. And really good friends like my son won't let the miles get in the way.

And besides, he said, "With Poppy's only granddaughter Emma out here, I know you'll come and see us whenever you can."

He's got that right.

Awwwww, well I hope everything works out great!!!

Very true, change is what sculpts us. I only hope I am given the chance to change sometime in the near future...scenery, that is!

this is great and exciting. change does the soul good. i am sure u will be going alot to see the little one.

At least he won't be too far away Steve. You must be very proud of your boys!!!!

Steve, how is Kathy doing with this?? That empty nest syndrome can be kinda tough. The next think we'll be hearing is that your moving out west too!!

The thought has crossed my mind many times to move closer to my kids. Family is so important, but I've found that the miles can never separate us.

You've done a good job, Poppysky!!!! I think you have already constructed the foundation for your sons. You laid each block with so much love. How can they possibly go wrong.

Give Kathy a hug from me.
Karan

Steve, I wish Jarrod the very BEST in his new venture! What kind of business does Jason have?

Eric

Good for him, Steve. I hope that he does well and that he succeeds in his adult life.

Hey Steve, isn't it great seeing them grow up?
You've really got that fathers love, I can tell.
I can see God in you. I'm blessed to know you.

Wishing your sons the best of luck! I love your outlook on the situation. You sound so incredibly wise.

Kathy is doing ok....she knows we will be seeing our boys, Deborah, AND Emma at least every six weeks for a weekend. We've got plans right on through January already.

Our health and work situations are key to the smaller world. The ability to travel and with both of us managing our places of work, we can construct our weekend visits better than many people can.

As for this comment from Ed....

You've really got that fathers love, I can tell.
I can see God in you. I'm blessed to know you.

I feel God in my soul...He is part of who I am. As for having a father's love, it has been challenged many times as my sons have grown older...especially during their mid to late teens. But it did see us through some tough times.

Letting go is not so hard as shutting up. My opinions will be sought when needed...otherwise they are more frequently blown to the wind.

And Eric, Jason works as an international freight broker. He manages a staff of some 20+ people in a San Diego office where, because it is a port city and borders with Mexico, international trade is a hot commodity.

I'll give you an update as things progress....

I wish your son(s) well, Steve. Of course, I can relate with living away from family, a very large family, at that... both side.

San Diego isn't too far from Arizona, a lot closer than central Florida is from southeastern Massachusetts.

azskyman wrote:Kathy is doing ok....she knows we will be seeing our boys, Deborah, AND Emma at least every six weeks for a weekend. We've got plans right on through January already.

Our health and work situations are key to the smaller world. The ability to travel and with both of us managing our places of work, we can construct our weekend visits better than many people can.

As for this comment from Ed....

You've really got that fathers love, I can tell.
I can see God in you. I'm blessed to know you.

I feel God in my soul...He is part of who I am. As for having a father's love, it has been challenged many times as my sons have grown older...especially during their mid to late teens. But it did see us through some tough times.

Letting go is not so hard as shutting up. My opinions will be sought when needed...otherwise they are more frequently blown to the wind.

And Eric, Jason works as an international freight broker. He manages a staff of some 20+ people in a San Diego office where, because it is a port city and borders with Mexico, international trade is a hot commodity.

I'll give you an update as things progress....

Good luck to your son.. I want you to know..You inspire me..thank you