We had her at home for 23 years and 6 days – yep, she moved out six days after her 23rd birthday.
She’s a talented singer and dancer, having taken part in countless shows over the years, and my wife and I have spent many a night watching her perfect her routines and listening to her songs. And after she came in from work she raided the fridge for a snack before disappearing upstairs for her daily rigorous workout.
She’s followed in the footsteps of her brother – he’s been nicely settled in his own home for a couple of years.
So, for Sue and me, a new stage of our lives begins. A stage of looking back at what we hope was a happy childhood for both our offspring. I like to think we gave them the best start in life, providing love, comfort and understanding, and always being there for them when they needed us.
Ah, those memories of us taking Charlotte to dancing competitions and shows, and Chris to tennis tournaments throughout the UK and Europe – for a couple of years we took our main holiday in Torquay while Chris competed in the Torbay Open. And I well remember Charlotte winning us a family holiday with her dancing.
Fortunately both Charlotte and Chris live less than quarter of an hour from us, so I guess we’re better off than many parents whose children end up moving many miles away.
The circle of life turns. One moment you’re leaving the nest yourself – I remember so well the day Sue and I moved into our first home and started our wonderful adventure together. Then your own children came along…but all too soon you’re holding back the tears as you proudly watch them setting sail across the world’s uncertain waters as fully independent adults themselves.