We loaded up daughter Sarah’s belongings today for her trek back to California. She is driving our long van with a U-haul trailer packed to the brim with her apartment contents. Heading back after three years in medical school in Texas to do her “audition” rotations in CA in hopes of landing a residency in CA. She is looking at family medicine and OB/GYN, and will see which suits before year’s end.
Today was filled with sorting and packing and moving box after box, and then one piece of furniture after the other. Bookcases, a microwave, lamps, a futon, a couch, stools, chairs, tables, clothes, and books, and lots of books. When I say that she is filled to the brim, I am not exaggerating. I’m not sure one more thing can fit.
This is a rite of passage, the moving of this girl. We moved her to Texas three years ago, did all that same packing and stowing, and then to Corpus Christi for her clinical rotations for third year, and now back to CA for fourth year as she settles on a residency that is close to family. I didn’t realize medical students moved so much. She could have stayed in Fort Worth where her med school is located, but elected to go to Corpus Christi because the number of students there would be less. So she has moved more than many. Also, many will stay in Fort Worth for fourth year because they plan to live there, so, yes, she has moved more than most.
And tomorrow morning she and our youngest daughter will climb in that van with its trailer on the back and head off to California while we stay in Texas for a while. Tonight, my husband took our youngest daughter out for a “test drive” so he can make she knew how to pull a trailer properly. He declared her “road ready” after their time together.
I am proud of my children. I am happy for them, as well. Sarah has stretched and grown with this choice of hers to become a medical doctor. It hasn’t been an easy road – will continue to be tough for a while – but she has risen to the occasion. Rachael, the youngest, is a senior at UCLA; her middle sister Liz is finishing law school this upcoming year. Next spring, if the good Lord’s willing, we’ll have three graduations. Hurray.
But as for now, I’m just happy the loading is done and Sarah gets to go back home to see her boyfriend who has been more than patient these last three years. Also, I’m happy she’ll be living closer to us than she has in a while, though I don’t expect to see her anymore often than when she was here in Texas. Spending copious amounts of time with Mom and Dad are not part of the picture of late.
But I am happy. Happy for the completion of her tasks, her sisters’ and our own. Life is lived one day at a time and some of those days are tough ones. And yet, there comes that moment when you can pause and say, “Ah, but this is good.” This evening I am having one of those moments. How very lovely.
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