My son is moving........

[masterswimmer]

........to Korea (yes, South Korea).

He's leaving this week, Thursday. He landed a job teaching conversational English. The first contract is for one year. The benefits are great.

The above is all well and good. But I'm sick to my stomach. I've been involved in my childrens lives since they were born. I've managed or coached every one of his Little League teams. I was score keeper for his ice hockey team. I was the treasurer and timer and 'deck hand' for his swim teams. When I was able we used to hike and ski together (since he was 2.5 yrs old). We watch every Yankees and Jets game together.

I'm out of my mind with happiness and sadness at the same time. I know this is a great opportunity and the chance of a lifetime for him. But I feel like I'm losing not only my best buddy but a part of my youth is going too. I'm entering a new chapter in my life.....AARP here I am. Take me.

Best of luck Adam.......I love you!

 

[Awibrandy]

Russ, welcome to my world. It's ok though, they do come back.lol
Congratulations Adam, God be with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[georgelc86]

I know a girl who did the same thing but in Thailand.

 

[frank arriaga]

Russ I know its hard to let go. Adam Best of luck.

 

[JHOV2324]

I dont even want to think about when this day comes for me :sad2:....i already have my 2 year old saying LETS GO AROD!!!!! :sad2:

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Good Luck Adam. Stay safe and have fun.
Russ he'll be ok.

 

[sil3ncio]

I can't wait to experience those things with my son! We're expecting, he'll be with us very soon..... Good luck to you both.

 

[masterswimmer]

Thanks Awilda, Frank, HOV....

Don't ever 'wait until tomorrow' to do anything with your children. Tomorrow never comes, and before you know it, it's over. It feels like only yesterday I was laying on the couch asleep with him asleep on my chest.

 

[Quang]

Congrats to Adam!

Russ, that's sweet of you. You're a good dad and Adam knows it. Best of luck to Adam!

 

[Savager]

Wow, Korea. That's awsome. I am Korean and last time I went to Korea was about 5 years ago. If you have any question, feel free to send me PM. It's different world out there. Very high tech and rich cultures all around. He'll have great time there. And Im sure you'll make time to visit him in Korea and you'll have a great time as well.
I have a little girl, and if she decided to move far away like in Korea, Im sure it will break my heart too. But if it's good for him and it will open alot of new doors for him in the future, I think you should happy for him as well. Goodluck to you and your son.

 

[grknyer]

Russ it seems like you did everything right so far as a parent.Your a great guy and I'm sure you raised him to be even better than yourself
One year is a very long time.
It's hard but as Awilda said they do come back.
It's when he is back here and is married that you might have to worry about not seeing him often :lol2:
Best of luck to your son Adam and don't worry we are here for you

 

[cali_reef]

Russ, he'll be fine there.. One of the safer places to live and work in Asia.

Tell him to enjoy the food, cultures, sights, and try not to knock anyone up :lol2:..

 

[Bob 1000]

South Korea is a nice place.. Good for him. I love to travel.. I'll be there next year for 3 weeks. I know you'll miss him but think of it as you have prepared him for the world.. Does he speak fluent Korean.. I'm still learning and it's hard for me.. My daughter know's for than I do,,lol and she's 4..

 

[bad coffee]

Congrats on raising a great kid, Russ. Make sure you both have skype so you can talk/videochat while he's over there. Providing you can get online at the same time!

B

 

[LongIslandAndy]

Hi Russ
I have 3 grown daughters and it is extremely hard when they move on to start their own lives. If you were like me you probably taught your son to handle situations, encouraged him to be independent and to not be afraid of challenges. And that is exactly what a parent has to do. Our parenting years are spent teaching our children the right way to do things. When my girls started their own lives I felt like I was not needed anymore and thought" How will they make it alone out there". Well they do, and yes my friend it is just another chapter in this wonderful journey called life.

Hang in there
Andy

 

[masterswimmer]

Thank you, thank you, thank you everyone.

The child rearing was a challenge every day, like it is for all you parents out there. The young'ens are born and they weren't delivered with an instruction manual. So we did the best we could with the tools we have, experience, what we think is wisdom (only to be told by them as they grow older that we don't know anything ), guidance, how to hit a breaking ball, how to keep your skiis parallel and traverse the fall line.... yada yada yada. Then they decide it's time to move on. Nothing prepared ME for this day. It all seems so sudden. :sad2:

You guys on MR have been like an extended family. Thanks for all the fun, laughs, stories and predictions of the Bombers in 6 or 7 :biggrin: You're all great. You make it much easier to experience these new chapters in life.

We've been using Skype for a couple of months in preparation for this day. My daughter is still in college. She's in Cortland, so we get to Skype with her.

I'm hoping to have some good, fun stories to share with everyone. I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks again for all the well wishes, advice and anecdotes. Much appreciated.

Russ

 

[Timbo]

Don't worry buddy he will be back before you know it. I am living proof!!!! LOL

 

[fritz]

OMG that's so sad, and wonderful or course for Adam. My son is only three but I think I'm going to shut the computer off now and go hang out with him....

I hope he stays close when he gets older and gets to travel too. I guess he can't do both.