How far does the umbilical cord stretch?

[pepperlru]

Metaphorically, that is. My baby (my 14 year old baby) is on a plane over the Atlantic right now, thousands of miles from home, on her way to India. I'm happy that she gets to go on such a great trip, and I know she'll be well-cared for (she's with my mom and my sister) but wowee, is it hard to have her so far away! I feel like it was a good idea at the time to let her go, but now I'm wishing she was back home and safe. It's 12 more hours until her plane even lands. I miss her so much already. It doesn't seem possible that my little girl can be halfway around the world.

[Krystal5]

Oh wow! Big hugs to you. I can't imagine how hard that is- but it IS the right choice! It will be really good for her to do this.

I went to Japan for a year as an exchange student when I was 17. Best experience ever for me! But to this day, my mom still talks about how hard it was on her. The good news is, that "absence makes the heart grow fonder" and "if you love something, let it go" proved so true for us! Hopefully it will for you, too.

[preciousnd98]

What an exciting trip for her! I can only imagine how hard it is to have her so far away though.

[pepperlru]

Thanks! That is so wise about absence making the heart grow fonder. I do believe that's true. I know our little teenager/mother squabbles already seemed so trivial when I was putting her on the plane. When we were walking up to the gate and waiting for her to board, she wanted to hold my hand. I really don't get to do that much anymore with a high schooler who is taller than I am!
They've landed in Delhi, so that's good ... now I just have to get through the next two weeks of them jaunting all over the country. I know this trip will be great for her -- I can always see her confidence rise when she's done something new without me/away from home. It's just weird to think she is so far away. It reminds me of when she was a baby and I'd leave her to go to work and my arms would literally ache to hold her.

[ibisgirldc]

I've been to dozens of countries, many before I went to college; it's shaped who I am and most of my interests. It is a fabulous experience for her and the biggest regret is probably going to be that you weren't there to enjoy the sites, too. (She's a lucky girl!) Two weeks will be over before you know it!

[macksmom]

I can't imagine! Even though it must be terribly hard you are giving her such a great life experience opportunity

[Suja]

She'll have an amazing time. India is an exceedingly child friendly country? Where will they be going? I'm guessing, because you said they landed in Delhi, that Agra (Taj Mahal) and likely Rajastan are on the agenda.

[pepperlru]

She'll have an amazing time. India is an exceedingly child friendly country? Where will they be going? I'm guessing, because you said they landed in Delhi, that Agra (Taj Mahal) and likely Rajastan are on the agenda.

I think so too! My sister has been traveling there every 6 weeks for work for the last two years and has been bowled over by the courtesy and generosity of the people in general. It's been amazing.
They're going to quite a few places. From Delhi, down to Kerala (Kochi), then up to Bangalore, then to Agra and back to Delhi. My sis has conferences in Kochi and Bangalore.

[Flynn08]

I hope she has a fabulous trip & that time passes quickly, for you!

[Suja]

I think so too! My sister has been traveling there every 6 weeks for work for the last two years and has been bowled over by the courtesy and generosity of the people in general. It's been amazing.
They're going to quite a few places. From Delhi, down to Kerala (Kochi), then up to Bangalore, then to Agra and back to Delhi. My sis has conferences in Kochi and Bangalore.

Oh cool! DH's family is in Kochi and my parents have retired to their hometown in Kerala (Palakkad). If they need anything while they're down there, let me know, and I can contact my parents/ILs.

[pepperlru]

Oh cool! DH's family is in Kochi and my parents have retired to their hometown in Kerala (Palakkad). If they need anything while they're down there, let me know, and I can contact my parents/ILs.

Oh wow! It does put my mind at ease to know there are friendly folks to help if needed. Thank you!
By the way, Kochi (and all of Kerala) looks like a gorgeous place. Do you get to visit now and then?

[Suja]

Oh wow! It does put my mind at ease to know there are friendly folks to help if needed. Thank you!
By the way, Kochi (and all of Kerala) looks like a gorgeous place. Do you get to visit now and then?

We last went in December. We might make a habit of it and go every December or every other December (my parents will likely be here this winter, and DH is just returning today and will be back there again in September). I think it is extremely important for kids to know their extended families.

I have friends and family in pretty much all the major cities, so if you (or they) need anything, just let me know.

[anonsouthernbell]