Flying The Nest

**Sp00k** · 03-13-2008, 01:44 AM

As most of you know, I moved down to Kettering about 14 years ago from Newcastle (215 miles North). What you all don't know is that I moved down here to be with my ex wife and kids as she was born and bred here and missing her family and friends. We got married and lived in Newcastle for 18 years. I miss that place.

Kelly my daughter was only 5-6 years old at the time and my son had just started infant school when my ex decided she wanted to move back to Kettering.

Anyway after a couple of years down here we split up with no animosity and no-one else involved. I guess work commitments and lack of time together pushed us to the limits and we grew apart. The sad thing is we get on like a house on fire now. Strange huh? We had nearly 20 years together.

Well to cut things a bit short I've had good news and bad news these last 24 hours.
My son Curtis finally got a job yesterday.

Kelly rang me yesterday to say she handed in her notice at work and would be leaving in April. She is going to move up to Newcastle as she loves it up there and misses old friends as well as new friends from our visits up there.

It pleases me she has made a brave decision yet I'm am also gutted to think I am not going to see my daughter and also my soul mate. To cap it all it is her birthday this Sunday...she will be 20 years old. I am swimming with mixed emotions. Happy, sad and tears in my eyes as I type this. It is ironic to see her go back to the place I was born

but I am so proud of her at the same time.

There still a lot of things to iron out and we will be having a lot of time together to discuss her thoughts. One thing I will not do is dissuade her from her decision as she is intelligent and has her head firmly on her shoulders.

Its breaking my heart to think of her so far away and not to see her every day.

She's still daddy's little girl.

*Lisey* · 03-13-2008, 07:09 AM

You're a good dad. Sounds like you've got a good daughter. It's a good sign that she's ready to start her life...she sounds very mature.

**Sp00k** · 03-13-2008, 08:22 AM

She's definitely a heartbreaker and will make some guy very happy. The thing is she isn't interested in any kind of relationship yet in fact she said she has never met anyone that even remotely set her heart fluttering. Maybe she has high expectations?

I can honestly say she is a very "happy go lucky girl" very relaxed in her manner and attitude. I will miss her unselfishness and extremely caring nature let alone her effervescent personality.

I wish I could move back up Newcastle too but I know that would be impractical.

*Lisey* · 03-13-2008, 11:54 AM

It's not a forever decision on either end....you never know what is going to happen.

**Sp00k** · 03-13-2008, 12:25 PM

True its not forever though I do know she has loved the north east country and always loved even as child born there. She can still remember lots of things even from nursery school.

It is inspirational to see your children blossom into fully fledged adults and yet unsettling to see them move on. I know I can't wrap them in cotton wool but I want to be around them as long as possible.

Maybe I'm over reacting...its not that she's moving on ...its the distance and not having our special bonding time. I will miss those hugs and kisses I get every day.

Or maybe I'm jealous of her freedom and the fact where she is going is my birthplace where I had a glorius 40 years?

**Dragoness_Cutie** · 03-13-2008, 02:54 PM

Congrats to your son on his job, and your daughter on her decision.

Glad to hear things are going well. I know you'll miss her, but I'm sure she'll come visit you as much as she can. And probably get lots of phone calls too!

*G_Man* · 03-13-2008, 03:23 PM

Wow Mate.

I am already relishing and dreading the day my little one is "all grown up". I am sure you've prepared her for the world and that should bring you a lot of comfort.

*Big Boss* · 03-13-2008, 06:55 PM

not having one of my own i can't say I full know what your going through although I do have a kid sister who is 3 years behind your daughter. So i got a clue on how joyess and worrysum they can be.

**Sp00k** · 03-14-2008, 03:59 AM

Its a very emotional ride I can tell you. Kelly is very, loving, caring, giving, thoughtful yet so fragile. Its the fear of the unknown I guess.

A woman's love is beautiful...a child's love is eternal.

**Noodles** · 03-15-2008, 07:50 PM

I wish I could add some wisdom here. I have a daughter that is ten. It seems like just a few months ago she was 4.
The time we get with our children seems so short it is almost cruel, but the joy we get is fair trade.
I am sure being your daughter she could not have been raised with better foundations for this world.
Before I know it I will be in the same boat and will be calling you for advice.

**Sp00k** · 03-16-2008, 04:02 AM

To be honest I'm going with the flow.

She says she will give it 3 months up North to see how things fair and if it don't work out she will come back here. Whatever the outcome is I only want the best for her and her safety and well being is paramount to us all.

Time to take the cotton wool off.

wyeast · 03-19-2008, 10:27 PM

Letting go of a child you love is one of the hardest things you ever have to do. It's not a moment I relish with my own children down the road. Take heart in the fact that you raised her good and strong to take flight on her own.

If I had to muster a guess, she'll be the sort who'll put the effort to make time to continue to share those special times with you, whether it be by phone, email, or visits. Especially with a pops like you.

You'll never know what the future will bring. I spun away from my own parents when I went off to college. Each time I moved for a job or school it was farther and farther away. And yet, here I am. Back in my hometown where my parents are just a short 20 minute drive from seeing their grandchildren every day.

And 215 miles isn't so far. I know it seems like forever on the isles, but some days I drive that far just for work!

**Sp00k** · 03-19-2008, 11:37 PM

Wyest!

Welcome back my friend and thanks for your input it is greatly appreciated as always. Its nice to see things from other peoples perspective and eventually I will come to terms with things. Just seems a big wrench in my life at the moment.

She will be leaving Kettering on the 24th April so I have one more month to prepare myself. I am so dreading that day.