Six Week Empty Nest Practice

Today Carter was up bright and early because she was “going home.” Home happens to be Camp Cheerio. She is a second year junior counselor, a job she loves more than everything else. She had a week of training at the beginning of the summer and came back so enthusiastic to be the best counselor ever. She said that at training she wished kids were going to show up the next day just so she could try out all the new games, ice breakers and devotionals she learned at training.
I know that the four weeks off between training and work have not dulled her enthusiasm. She got the co-counselor she wanted and the cabin and age group she wanted so all is right with the world. The only bad thing is that the Wal-mart in Elkin had a fire last week and is closed until it can be restocked. Carter was hopeful that they would have new cats in space t-shirts or whatever happens to be the ugly shirt craze of the year.

Carter’s “sister E” Ellis brought breakfast this morning to have one last goodbye. They won’t be seeing each other until Christmas because Ellis has to leave for college while Carter is still at camp. Russ and I had a few minutes with Carter, but she packed her car herself, and drove off without looking back.
Today was the first day of our new life. We went out to breakfast, shopped for food, did three loads of laundry, and even went to the movies together. The house has never been cleaner, or quieter, or darker. Eventually we will get used to it. At least I know that Carter is in her happy place. What more can you ask for as a parent?