By the time you read this, my oldest child will be on a plane bound to Edinburgh, Scotland. Solo.
And I might be on a plane headed back to Houston after watching his plane take off.
Oh my goodness.
As I write this, I’m on a plane to Chicago, which will be his launching point to the UK.
I might on my second Vodka cranberry. Just maybe.
And, by the way, as I write, I am totally digging my upgrade to United’s new super nice Business Class while my son is somewhere in Economy class. Bad mom? I think not. He IS going to Edinburgh after all. Solo. at age 15. To be a street performer.
Gulp.
Oh wait— did I not share the part?
See this cutie-patootie with the egg shaker:
The one in the yellow jacket with a soccer ball?
Yeah. That’s my boy. And he’s off to Edinburgh, Scotland’s Fringe to busk for about 10 days… that and take in all that Scotland has to offer him. I hope he soaks everything delicious in as much as possible. What a crazy adventure!
He’s staying with dear friends (for which I am massively thankful) but still… my teenager firstborn is traveling SOLO, y’all.
Poor guy has heard all he can stand about watching his wallet, not accepting drinks from ‘strangers,’ foreign transaction fees, not losing his passport, and the like.
I had to laugh when, at the Houston airport as I was buying lunch for us, he remarked as to how expensive the bill was. He was finally paying attention as we gave him a per diem for his trip.
Of course I wanted to say:
“Yep, sure is, Honey. Take note!”
But I didn’t.
Instead I said “That’s okay. I enjoyed lunch with you. Earn lots of money drumming in Edinburgh and have a blast!!”
Yes, he’s a fifteen-year-old boy who often can’t find his own phone in our house, showers as infrequently as possible, and is very much a teenager in all the growing-up ways… but he LOVES drumming, loves travel, loves others and you know what.. he is also a teenager in so many glorious ways… and this is an opportunity we can offer him. So WHY NOT?
Gulp.
Yes, my heart is in my throat. My stomach is in knots.
And yet I know this is right. I want him to see what he can do. To enjoy this solo time. To see how independent he can be, and how vulnerable he can be. And, of course How much fun international travel and finding your way can be.
He’s staying with dear, generous, friends of ours, in a place I truly love.
This mama is hoping for the best, and praying for that too.
Here goes….
So… if you see a young solo drummer with a box drum or African drum in Edinburgh this week— drop a lot of money in his cowboy boot, please. He will totally appreciate it. Even if it’s another guy and not my son you bless, I’m sure he and his family will appreciate it, too.
Please also consider praying for both of us… and my whole family and friends as we explore this adventure together. It’s gonna be a good one.
Cheers!
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