Until we meet again

Having a nanny is a bit of a stretch for us financially, at 40-50% more than day care, but it's what works best for us, especially since Will and I work from home and can see our son whenever we want.  Finding a good nanny means evaluating the candidates and determining who works best with our family, as a member of our family and will be comfortable in our home with all of us there.  
We were thrilled to find 22-year-old Brittney earlier this summer, and now she's leaving to move with her boyfriend out of state, and potentially, out of the country.  I'm hoping that we have given her enough information about Mexico to dissuade her from following him there; they are planning to go to Oregon first to stay with his family for a while.  She is selling her car and leaving behind her family here in the Austin area.  She has never lived outside of Texas, but she loves her boyfriend and believes he is The One. She's young enough to be my daughter, as scary a thought as that is, and I feel protective of her.

This is my letter to her.

I remember being 22 and trying to figure out which way to go with my life.  You are going to have to figure out the right path on your own, no matter what anyone else tells you.  Trust your gut and don't do anything or go anywhere that feels wrong to you. 

I can see on your face that you're scared.  You're excited, nervous, happy, and bewildered, all at the same time.  You're leaving the only town you've ever known to jump into the great unknown with Kyle. The week before you told me your plan, I knew something was on your mind, and I can tell that you are far away, already thinking through what direction your life is taking.

You mentioned that Kyle wants to support you, and that's a dream, for someone who wants to be a stay-at-home-mom, eventually.  Right now, he can't do that, so be sure you are in a place you can still work - you are wonderful with kids and you have a real talent for drawing caricatures and cartoons.  Your sweet personality will take you far in life; don't let anyone step on you, and don't let anyone think that sweet equals passive.

Keep your parents' number handy and have your own phone.  Pay your own way as much as you can.  You may love every minute of your new adventure and decide that wherever Kyle is, you're happy.  Being away from your family may be too much and you might want to come back home, even for a little while.  I've met your parents and they love you very much - they will be happy to help you if you need to come home.  There are a lot of people who love you.

Know that we will all be happy for you if it works out the way you want it to.  Don't be ashamed if it doesn't. 

Just remember to count on yourself.  Keep your identity.  Do things that make YOU happy.

We may never cross paths again, but I hope you'll let us know how you're doing once in a while.  My son is going to ask for you by name, and we will miss your adorable drawings on his easel, and your sweet personality.  T talks about you even on the weekends, and I'm sure he will wonder why you don't come to our house any more.  This breaks my heart a little; he will forget, in time, but I wish he could understand.  We welcomed you into our family, even for a short time, and will not forget you.

Godspeed.