Wednesday 16 March 2011

Life is a Journey....

Today was the day that my eldest (and only daughter... )set off on another stage of her journey through life.  Only 3 1/2 months ago she got married, and now her and her hubby are heading off to Perth to live.  Perth is in Australia ~ over on the western side of the country... 7 1/2 hours by plane from where we live....  I understand their reasons for moving... the need to extend themselves in their work and try new challenges... but it is a sad day for me.  I will miss the chats during the day when one of us is a bit bored at work, the family dinners we have every few weeks, and the random visits.   But as her hubby said to me today " you're not losing your first born, you're gaining a holiday home!!!!!"  Now onto the planning

We went out to the airport to have lunch with her and to say our goodbyes.  She left at 2.05pm but  her hubby is staying till next Thurs to finish up work and get the house ready to be rented out.  I was strong.... only a few little tears from both of us and her friend Natalie...

I made a card for her and gave it to her with a bag of Liquorice.  There is a bit of a story behind the liquorice.  My Hubby LOVES liquorice especially Black Knight Liquorice.  We have to buy a bag or two each fortnight when we do the major grocery shop... and he keeps it in a jar on top of the fridge.  The very first thing either child does when they visit, is to head straight to the jar and they get upset if there is no liquorice in it....So the liquorice was so she wouldn't miss out too much.

Now for the card

Very simple... I took a page from an old map book of New Zealand and tore  round it.  I distressed the edges with Vintage Photo and embossed one of the Hero Arts cling Bicycles.  The little letters are from a pack I got on the weekend.  Inside I used the computer to write
" hop on your bike and enjoy the ride" and stamped another one of the bikes.


So to Emma and Brad, ('cause it's nearly St Patrick's Day)


May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Love you both.  Enjoy the Journey!


15 comments:

Dotty Jo said...

What a lovely post Dawn, nearly got a tear in my eye too! Hugs you you, Jo x

Pajalu said...

Oh Dawn, I'm tearing up here. Darn it all ;P. Love the card & remember that it's better that she's only 71/2 hours away instead of half the world away. Perth is a beautiful city, if you ever get the chance go to King's Park it's right in the centre of the city & has gorgeous views. It's one of my fav places. Take care & I'm sending a big hug xoxoxoxoxoxo

Lin said...

Dear Dawn, know that there are lots of us here who know exactly the feelings you're having. I've always thought of it this way: you've raised a responsible adult who can now take care of herself - pat yourself on the back and look forward to a visit there! Sending hugs!

Deirdre said...

Dawn, my heart goes out to you. Know how tough it is as I was the one who did the leaving with my hubby when we went on an adventure to the U.S. from Ireland over 10 years ago! But now we are back with two blessings living near both families. You will get to have fun holidays and I spoke to my Mom everyday while we lived in the States! That's a bond that can never be broken by distance. Hugs to you. Dee x

Barb said...

Oh, Dawn, it's so tough to let them go, isn't it? And it feels very strange because on one hand you're sad to see them leave and on the other hand, you're so happy for them, starting their own life-journey. I know you are so proud of your daughter too. Hang in there, my friend! Sending lots and lots of hugs your way!

Emily D. said...

No matter how old they get, they are always our babies.... I know you will miss her, but she will visit and vice versa... it will be fine. My mom sounded just like you when I moved out of state. :)

I love the card!!

Dana said...

Dawn, your card is wonsderful even if it is for a sad occasion (on your part). Just think of all the amazing new experiences she will have! They will help her to grow in many ways and allow her to become her own person.

Sanne said...

Must be hard when they are leaving home. I´m sure she will love this fun card you made - very clever design Dawn - Thoughts Sanne

Scrumplescrunch said...

I know you are happy for her Dawn, even though it is tough saying farewell.Paula is right, Perth is a beautiful City, my Nicole was born there, we lived there for two years and I enjoyed every moment, she will too once the homesickness passes.
You will be fine.
Great card too.
Smiles:)

Anita Rex said...

Hi Dawn! I am so sorry to read about your daughter moving. I never would have thought that she was that far from you, 7 and a half hours on plane?? Oh boy. I hope it won't be forever. I can only imagine how hard it is. I think it's sweet that you sent her the licorice but tell her hubby not to eat it, black licorce isn't the best for young men if they want to have children. Yes I know but I had to say it and I hope you will not be angry, I know you want grandchildren one day! :> The card you made for her is perfect! Hopefully she will post it up and whenever she looks at it she will think of home and how much she loved it there and come back soon!!!!!!

GrammySue's Creations said...

Hi Dawn, This is a great farewell card. It is difficult to say goodbye to our loved ones; especially children. I will keep you and your daughter in my prayers. Take care and God bless.

CinnamonSally said...

Hi Dawn, I know you will miss your daughter but the internet is a fantastic think you can actually link with skype. I really don't understand how it works but its amazing you can talk to each other through a computer screen. (I know its definately beyond me) And think of the amazing holidays you will have. When my daughter moved to university I missed her dreadfully but we talked and text all the time on the phone, perhaps more than when she lived at home! Love your card, and I am thinking of you.
Sallyx

DustyPenny (Joy Ott) said...

Sending hugs, Dawn. Fun card!

Suzanne C said...

Hugs to you. Lovely story about the licorice and the card is perfect. Sorry your daughter is going to be so far away. :( Lovely Irish blessing to send them off with.

Tiffany Ervin said...

Love your post Dawn, so heartwarming and I know, bittersweet. I love your card and the fun map that you created for it! The bicycle is perfect for this theme!