I have a friend, Maggie who is an exchange student in Belgium . I've know her since she was justs a little girl. She grew up with my kids. We are like family. She is also, one incredible young lady who will go on to change the world. Here is a letter I sent to her, on one of her low days.
Hi Maggie,
Well, I just happened to be staying in your room on the "I almost blew up the house, while Travis watched TV" episode.
Yes, it could have been a disaster, but the house was spared, and I don't think Travis lost too many brain cels. We did go to change the batteries in the smoke alarms, and found out that the alarm for carbon minoxide didn't even have a battery in it!!! The house is well aired out, though, and you know how much your mom loves the outdoors!
I woke up and read your email, while laying (lying) I never know which lay to use, in bed----on my Treo phone. It was an effort on that 2 in screen, but I did it.
Don't worry about fooling us with your cultured, artsy side. Those of us who know you realize this is a ploy to get out of the house, and into the throngs of people. They might be strangers, but I'm sure you can feel like you aren't a "trapped teenager" Think of Harry Potter in his closet, and then you won't feel so bad! We all know you are a TV junkie, and love to be on the computer.
About your re-entry into America! Mothers have to say it will all be fine....its written in our genetic code, that is released at the moment the child is birthed and cries for the first time. Everyone thinks the cry is for joy. I for a fact, know that what the child is screaming while taking its first breath is "Will it be ok? I wanna go back to where its safe, and I'm protected" We, as the birthing vessels always shout "It's ok, It will be fine" and under our breath so no one can hear us quietly say "No way in hell, will I let you back in. Your on your own, baby!"
I spent a few years away as a missionary. The thought of home was always a comfort. Somethings were always constant for me. My parents, my siblings. I knew I was part of a family, no matter how weird they are. It was home. But when I came back, everything looked just a bit different. They didn't change, I did. They still loved me, but the skin I wore when I left, was tight and even though it had my name on it, it didn't fit right. I imagine it will be like that for you.
You will be back, and there will be lots of partys and hugs, and everyone will want to hear ALL about your adventure. It will be wonderful, and you will be the queen bee. But the hard part, will be after they stop asking...its like post partum depression, I think. Your left holding the baby. That's when you TAKE A BIG BREATHE, and let it all out. Your friends, and family all love you, and you will just have to find your next adventure. I'm glad you have school in Austin coming up. I love that town. How can anyone study there, and not spend every hour partying, is beyond me. (ask your parents)
So in summary, my friend
1. Your house still stands
2. Its hard to read your long emails on a Treo phone
3. You have not fooled us with your artsy adventures
4. Mothers have to say "it will all be fine"
5. You need a new outfit, in the "I'm more of an adult" size
6. The queen returns
7. Friends will always be there for you
8. Watch out world, here she comes - that's you Maggie, that's you!
love
Judy
ps....Buster still thinks he's starving, and no one will feed him enough!
