Andrew is Moving to Wyoming!
From the first moment I held him in my arms and gained the title Momma, I knew this day would eventually come. It’s the whole point of parenting, isn’t it—to raise our kids to be independent so that one day they go out on their own to follow their dreams? I’ve kept that in mind for many years as I learned to let go of my older boys as they grew, but actually saying goodbye to Andrew as he left, knowing I probably won’t see him for five months, was harder than I expected. I felt tears welling up, so I gave him one last hug, told him to drive carefully and keep me posted on his progress to Wyoming, and sent him out the door before I could start crying. What he doesn’t know is that I stood at the window watching him get in his truck, set his GPS, and every second until he was out of sight. I counted myself lucky that I had a photoshoot to get to, so I couldn’t dwell on how much I would miss him.
While my heart aches, as I’m sure every mother’s does when her child strikes out on their own, I am so incredibly proud of him for pursuing and accepting this position. He will be working for Wyoming Boat and Fish, living out of a provided camper that he will take all over the state to collect fish eggs for the fishery, where they will be raised and eventually helicoptered to stock mountain lakes. What an incredible opportunity! I know it was a tough decision to go so far from the people who mean the most to him, especially Bella, but I also know how excited he is about this. His heart must be so torn. I’m sure he’ll think about that a lot on his long drive out there.
Andrew doesn’t love having his picture taken, but he let me take these three pics of just him, knowing I’d use them for this sappy post. He’s such a good guy, isn’t he?
If you wouldn’t mind saying a little prayer, sending good vibes, or whatever your thing is, out into space for him to have a safe drive and avoid any close encounters with grizzly bears on his journey, I would really appreciate it.
Andrew,
I still remember reading, Oh, the Places You Will Go by Dr. Seuss to you and tearing up at the thought of what you might do when you grew up. I couldn’t have guessed that one of your first adventures would take you so far from us, but wow, I’m so proud of you. Good luck, and don’t forget to call your mother!
Love,
Mom