<p>She called last night (3000 miles away), sounding very grown up (at 21 1/2) and asked me to come visit her in mid March during her spring break. Her roommate (a guy) is going away and she would share their studio apt with me (“I even have a kitchen now”). </p>
<p>The words that slayed me: “There are sooooo many things I want to show you!” (I haven’t visited since May 2008)</p>
<p>If I don’t splurge I won’t see her again until mid August when she comes home to one of her best friend’s weddings (wedding? Really? A 22 year old? Oy.) </p>
<p>^^depending on your airline; may pay to wait to book a couple of days; discounts usually kick in on Tuesdays/Wednesdays…may as well go on [Cheap</a> Flights, Hotels, Airline Tickets, Cheap Tickets, Travel Deals - KAYAK - Compare Hundreds of Travel Sites At Once](<a href=“http://www.kayak.com%5DCheap”>http://www.kayak.com) and sign up for a fare alert…happy flying!</p>
<p>edit: errr…that’s annoying; when you put in the website all those blue words pop up…sorry!!</p>
<p>Yeah, she just sounded like she really wanted my company, and I vowed not to be my mother during those times. </p>
<p>I once talked to my mom from college and asked her to send me a “care package” (everyone else had been getting them). She asked me what would be in one, and I said, something to the effect of, “ohm Oreos, and stuff” and her response was “Oreos? You’re not in Kathmandu, just go to the store and buy some!” I have never gotten over that. </p>
<p>I remember being away for a summer in college, missing the creature comforts of home and got a care package from my dad. It was kind of silly, because I could have bought all those things at the store - but it was cool that he thought of me. Contained some cereal, some spaghetti, favorite cookies. Probably cost more to ship than the amount of those products. </p>
<p>My 22 1/2 year old daughter recently called and invited me to spend the night (3 hour drive) and I hesitated for less than a second. We ate out and then went back to her apartment, put on pajamas, and watched the first three episodes of a new tv series on her computer. We got pedicures the next day before I drove home. I had a great time, but just being invited - priceless.</p>
<p>I’m going. I just have to find some decent flights. So far it looks like the coast to coast will be around $300 r/t. I’ll hold out a wee bit, but not too long. Tuesday I’ll break the news to my boss (he’s super accommodating and believes in “family first” so it won’t be an issue). </p>
<p>I found myself on the verge of tears all day thinking that SHE made the overture. And she didn’t hint or beat around the bush. :)</p>
<p>Oh what other possible thing could be more important to spend money on - or go into debt for- if not for this? Eat macaroni for six months if you have to, but cease the chance! Life is very short, it only comes once, and it keeps moving by (and sadly, you will never again get this exact opportunity).</p>
<p>Ah you are going so my post is pointless, but hey, go GUILT FREE! You and your daughter deserve this special time.</p>
<p>And thank you justamom-- I will be in your shoes in a blink of an eye-- and I sure appreciate you giving me a stark reminder that I should enjoy the few remaining years I have. Now I feel like crying.</p>
<p>starbright - you’ll be happy to know I live my life ‘guilt free’ - and I do tend to grab the brass ring when it’s there. Don’t worry about if your post is “pointless” someone else is reading and it will be just the thing they need to read.</p>
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