Helena's Place

Right after Bill and I got back from Hawaii, Helena packed up and moved out.

That sounds bad, but is actually an awesome thing.

When you say someone packed up and moved out, it makes it sound like there was some emotional blow up and the move was done in anger.  That is so far from the truth!

We knew she'd be moving out.  The only reason she waited until after we got back from Hawaii was so she and Will could stay together and look out for each other while we were gone.

So, as soon as we got home, she began packing.

Helena's best friend's name is Megan.  Megan lives in an apartment in her grandparent's basement two towns over.  Helena moved in with her and another girl, named Lindsay.  I think it is the best possible first step to independence.  There are grandparents upstairs to turn to for help, and the rent is cheaper than anything else she would possibly find, again, because it is grandma and grandpa discounted.  Three college aged girls living in a basement apartment.  Sounds like such an adventure, doesn't it?

The catch?  There are only two bedrooms and apparently the girls don't intend to share a room.  So, Helena has a bed set up in the corner of the kitchen.  Weird, right?!?  But the girls are all happy with the arrangement, Megan's grandparents are fine with it, too... so, okay!

Helena left a bunch of stuff here, and her bedroom has not turned into a guest room, yet.  She still comes over often... at least once a week she comes home.  She even stays overnight from time to time, especially if there is too much "month at the end of her paycheck" as the saying goes, and she wants to save some money on gas or food.  She even comes home to "shop" in my pantry occasionally.

Helena leaving was really hard for me.  I missed her horribly, at first.  I got all sad and would just go stand in her half empty bedroom and look around at the things she left behind.  I'd get all nostalgic and weepy, remembering times gone by.  Oh, I wish they didn't have to grow up!  But I also often wish they'd just grow up so I won't have to be responsible for them anymore!  I know.  I'm messed up in the head.

Now that some time has gone by, I am better about it.  I'm not so depressed that my little girl is off having college aged adventures.  But, still, my mood always perks up when Helena comes home.