Kathleen took Ariel and her stuff up to college today. I keep thinking of how lucky I was to marry Kath, because second wives sometimes have little interest in children from the previous marriage (probably why stepmothers get such a bad rep in fairy tales.) But Kath has been Ariel’s main maternal figure for the past decade, and done a terrific job raising her, so it was nice that she was able to bring Ariel up to Connecticut (leaving me, on deadline, to get more work done.) And soon Ariel will be heading off to Ireland as part of a freshman program; how’s THAT for an intro into co-ed life?
I’m going to miss her terribly; I’m so used to having her around. But this is the most exciting time in her life ever, and I’m confident she’ll take full advantage of it.
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Best wishes to Ariel as she starts this new and exciting chapter in her life. Has she decided on her major?
I feel for you–I just took my youngest off to Canada for her freshman year. Bittersweet, as these things tend to be. You have the right attitude though; much as we’d like to keep our kids as kids forever there is something wonderful in seeing them reach adulthood and go off on their own (as much as anyone who is so loved is ever “on their own”.) At least you still have your little one around–I now have all 3 of my children in school and, in the tradition of empty nesters everywhere, my wife and I now spend far too much time and money on our cats.
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Ireland sounds like it will be a wonderful experience. You must be very proud.
Speaking as the chick who just fled the nest, it’s tough on us too, but it’s an amazing experience! Best of luck with it, and it’s great Kath and Ariel have such a strong bond.
Have a great time, Ariel! Enjoy your new life, and make the most of it.
Several years ago you did a siging at the Pittsburgh Comicon and Ariel did a sketch for my wife (Needs Money For Toys). I find it hard to believe that that little girl is now a college freshmen! Congratulations and best of luck to her.
My little one (Parker Jordan, named for my two favorite comic characters) is only 2. I do not think I am going to let him grow up. I have made up my mind on this. It will not be allowed.
No way! Ireland! Wow. What part? We’re in the south. Tell her to dress warmly. I know it’s cliched to think of Ireland as wet and rainy but… well… it is. You and Kathleen should come visit some time while she’s here. Get some first-hand experience with Siryns heritage. Oh! Head north! See the Giants Causeway! To south, Blarney Castle, to the West, Zanzibarbarians! Heh… Muppet Treasure Island still cracks me up…
Anyway, here’s hoping Ariel tells you all good things about our fair isle!
Lucky Ariel…I’m envious that she’s getting to go to Ireland.
I hope she enjoys her college and Ireland experiences.
I’ve got a two year old. I keep thinking I’m going to blink and she’ll be headed off to college next year. But I’m a college professor, too, so she’s already there a whole heck of a lot.
(Pats Peter on the shoulder) Hang in there, Peter. Every time you see the woman that Ariel has grown into, you can revel in the pride in having been responsible for her upbringing.
And you have at least another 11 years with Caroline around the house, more if she commutes to college. Enjoy ’em.
Starting off with a trip to Ireland — very, very cool and jealousy-invoking.
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I don’t feel quite as old as some other posters here are saying, maybe because I see students of mine head off to school every year. Even so, it’s still pretty weird.
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And ss I posted on Kath’s blog, best wishes to Ariel. It’s one heck of a ride you’re about to begin — enjoy it!
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TWL
My eldest niece is 16, so I get that whole “I blinked and turned around twice and where did the years GO?” feeling. Best wishes to Ariel in all her endeavors, and Ireland! That is awesome! Whenever you miss her too much, Peter, just think about how proud of her you are and that oughta take the edge off.
Congratulations to Ariel, and good luck! And good for Kath, being a loving parent to all the girls in her care. I can imagine that step-parenting is an especially complex relationship, but there’s also something to be said for having a kid that’s already gotten through those infancy and toddlerhood years. (I sometimes aspire to be like Stockard Channing’s character in Where the Heart Is; skip the mommy part and go straight to grandma!) While I was in college (2 1/2 hours away from home by car), my mom was constantly bugging me to write to her. That probably doesn’t help, but then I’m the older of two kids and my brother was well into his teens when I packed out.
Also, I’m jealous of Ariel over her going to Ireland; I didn’t spend any time abroad until I was 25, and there’s no other experience like it. If she’s going to learn any Gaelic, there’s no time like the present! How many people in America can say they speak Gaelic?!
I doubt there’s any higher praise you could give Kathleen than that you did for this entry. A great partner, a great stepmother — you hit the jackpot! Kudos to you and your whole family.
And while it’ll be rough not having Ariel around, sudying abroad in Ireland will be an experience that I’m sure Ariel will treasure forever.
I should be clear: She’s not studying abroad. It’s a one-week thing they do that’s available for Freshman to kick off the semester. Basically it’s an overseas school trip. Which is fine. Honestly, I think it would be a bit much if it was not only her first year away from home, but she was in another country as well.
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Still; very cool.
Absolutely amazing opportunity! I was 22 before I got to go abroad to Europe one summer (studying music in Austria, choice!)… and then I had the travelling bug and spent 5 months in Chch, NZ studying specialized music courses I couldn’t get at my tiny liberal arts college. I loved every moment–hope to see some photos at some point, I never got to Ireland. It’s sure to be beautiful right now.
Congrats!
“Well, She’s Off…”
If she’s anything like her father, she is indeed off. 😉
I can’t believe Ariel is already college-age.
That makes all of us old.
Best of luck to her. This is a very exciting time for her!!
I had to read this a few times….just seems like yesterday I saw the Little Mermaid Birth announcement in the back of CBG.
Amazing….
E!