Saturday, March 8, 2008
I'm A Leavin' on a Jet Plane!
After months of dinner conversations that led to countless ideas, suggestions and advice, her journey truly began with a wave "good-bye".

It's not often that the baby of the family could be the glue that unites her parents and siblings, yet Lucy has done just that. Not only is this trip to Costa Rica a learning experience and an adventure for Lucy, but the rest of us has endured a much needed reality check as well. Lucy stands for everything that is good in a person. She is sweet and honest, but most importantly loyal. She sets goals and pridefully achieves all of them with the utmost class and dignity. We all can be a bit more like her...I know I can.

Lucy is a beautiful woman that has blossomed in the background. Katie and I have always had strong personalities, from when we were kids up until know. Our lives almost demanded attention, yet Lucy patiently waited for hers. Today, Lucy left for Costa Rica and all 5 of us drove to the airport. On this day she received all our attention and it felt good seeing her get it. Lucy's life is surrounded by friends, co-workers and a loving boyfriend, yet on this day she needed her family there to say good-bye. She needed us...her family...and because of her, the 5 of us gathered in an airport parking garage. It has been years since just the 5 of us have been together. Yet, on this week we have eaten dinner together, seen a concert together, barb-b-qued together, watched T.V. together...the 5 of us...........funny thing is, it seemed more like we needed her.

Over the past week, Lucy packed, organized and took care of the necessary tasks that needed to be done. At 6:00PM, her bags were packed and ready to go. We all loaded into Mom's van and took off the L.A.X. Along the way, Dad was going down his mental checklist with Lucy. You know...asking the "Dad" questions. When we arrived at the airport, we thought it would be better to go into the garage rather then dropping her off at the curb. Katie and Mom said an emotional good-bye in the parking garage, because Katie’s kids were asleep in the car. No more advice...no more questions...just hugs and kisses.

Dad and I walked Lucy into the airport to make sure she gets checked in okay. Her plane was on time, and the line to get a boarding pass was empty. All good signs...according to Dad. As Lucy's bags ventured down the conveyor belt we all stood there watching them until they disappeared through those black flaps. I think we did this because the next step was to say good-bye, and none of us wanted that, so we stood there...just watching luggage.

Dad and Lucy gave a teary-eyed hug. She turned to me and gave me one as well. She thanked us in being 2 instrumental people in getting this trip planned, and all Dad and I were thinking inside was more stuff we wanted to inform her of. We both elected to swallow our advice, because we both knew that Lucy was as ready as she ever could be.

We said good-bye to Lucy, and as she walked through the security check and disappeared into the crowd of fellow travelers, I yearned to give her another hug and to tell her how proud of her I was. Dad and I squeezed past security to get to a point where we could still see Lucy, venturing down the hallway. We both waved proudly, with our arms way up high, not even knowing where Lucy was. As we were about to give up, Dad saw Lucy, in the midst of all the travelers, turn around and raise her hand up high as well. As she disappeared around a distant corner, she waved to us both...and with that final "good-bye" gesture, her journey began.

We love you Lucy!
posted by Lucy @ 10:26 AM  
3 Comments:

  • At March 8, 2008 at 4:07 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    See ya "smudge".....Lucy was all smiles last night and ready for another adventure....her Mom and I are so proud of her and really appreciate all the love and support she has received from all of her friends these past weeks in anticipation of this "big step"...as her Dad it is always somewhat tough to see your youngest head off but I am so proud of her and love so much that I just want her to enjoy the ride..be safe....but enjoy the ride...keep smiling.....

     

  • At March 8, 2008 at 6:01 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    @Dad
    Typical Dad..."Be Safe" comment. Lucy could not be anymore safe then she is, thanks to you. She has taken every preventative measure and has everyything she needs in case of an emergancy...thanks to you. I think I even saw you slip a "PLAYING IT SAFE IN COSTA RICE - For DUMMIES" book.

    @Katie
    Now that Lucy is out of the house, I am finally Mom and Dads favorite! Yeah ME!!!

     

  • At March 11, 2008 at 10:25 AM, Blogger Julia Brosche said…

    For the past couple weeks Lu and I were counting down the days towards her big girl adventure. Although, I don't see her much, I felt more nervous than she did. Finally, Friday March 7th approached and I knew my cousin was on a plane heading towards something she has been yearning for. Andy, I must say, you did a beautiful job describing and capturing Lu's departure, it felt like I was there saying good-bye as well. Lu, I love you SO MUCH and I wish you all the best. I am anticipating the next blog entry. Oh and just for the record, it's "See you later" not "Good-bye"... I love you my family and I hope all is well!!! XoXo Julia

     
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I'm 25 and from San Clemente California. I consider myself a free spirit that loves taking risks, whether the outcome is positive or ends up a disaster, the risk is always worth it. I just recently made the decision to travel to Costa Rica for a few months and overwhelm my mind with its beautiful culture and language. I am leaving my job and taking a jump towards unpredictable, yet exciting, new experiences! I am so excited to start this new journey and know only great things will come from it!!