[Janel]

Today is the first day of a new chapter for our family. After seventeen years of having our child present in our daily lives, our son has moved into a dormitory to attend the Minnesota State Arts High School, for his junior and senior years in Theater and required academic classes . We learned of his presence in our lives about 17 years ago, and yesterday we bade farewell and good learning to our 16 year old, six foot tall, young man. He has been so ready for this day, and in the long picture, so have we. Filled with trepidation, have we been successful in teaching those life lessons well enough that he will remain healthy and whole as he learns independence from his nest/family? Filled with anticipation, we are now at a point in our older adult lives as self-employed artists where full time, or nearly full time work is now possible after being at home and available parents for so long. Are we ready to fill those days and weeks with good works and growth? Is our son also ready to fill his days with good study and growth? I hope so and believe so.

It is interesting, as Patrick H. and his wife anticipate the beginning of parenthood, Will and I are closing that intense chapter and moving into the next one of learning about our child as he becomes a man. I am thankful for our Carving Path forum family, who nurtures our artist's lives as we seek to grow and learn, as well as making room for sharing our thoughts and life's events.

Now, on with the day!

Janel

[Dick Bonham]

Hi Janel,
It's amazing how many challenges and how much joy our children bring to our lives.
Dick

[toscano]

janel!
quick post from the road...
All the best to Avery on his new direction in life and the very same to you and your husband.
Time to go wild!

-t

[Ed Twilbeck]

After 3 sons that went off to college and work, The new chapter gets better ever year then the grand kids make it fantistic. Enjoy all of it.

[Kitty Corcoran]

Janel, on Aug 27 2007, 10:44 AM, said:

Today is the first day of a new chapter for our family. After seventeen years of having our child present in our daily lives, our son has moved into a dormitory to attend the Minnesota State Arts High School, for his junior and senior years in Theater and required academic classes .

Janel,

My daughter is a smidge farther out of the nest, just starting her last year at Montserrat College of Art. So interesting to see how she is changing and becoming much more self-reliant, but also how much she is still our little girl!

Kitty

[Janel]

We received a brief phone call last night. He is really enjoying the first days at the arts high school. After living his life in a very tiny, quiet town of perhaps 20 houses, he is so happy that there are PEOPLE around! His own age, no less! He likes the classes, the teachers, the food, and the bed is even O.K.! Sounds like this week is going well for him! We are adjusting to the quiet, and anticipate a shift when the weekend comes, when he will be home again.

Thanks you all for sharing and caring. Life is interesting, and life is long. Many experiences to yet be discovered by us all, at any age.

Janel