Growing Up with the Godfreys: Go West, Young Woman

For the first time in about 13 years, I went out to visit family in Colorado. Not only were we visiting Stef, having moved out there about 6 months ago, but also my Aunt Debra and Uncle Tab, Kaitlin and Justin. I haven't seen Kaitlyn since she was about 5 and I think Justin was maybe eleven. Ironically, it was Jess, Stef and Aunt Vickie that I went out with the last time as well and since then we have carried on the saying, "bada bing, bada boom". It was just a cute little phrase that Kaitlin said one time while we were out there and it's just stuck with us every since. Kaitlin has no idea what we are referring to at this point, yet we still find it hysterically funny every time we say it.

Everything looked the same to me. Their house, the mountains, the town. Though, I'm sure to them it's very different. It's still difficult for me to digest the fact that Kaitlin and Justin are in their teens and early twenties. It was so great to catch up with everyone. I can see in Justin where I was in my later years of college. And, I know that he will find his way. He just needs to hang in there. Looking back at that time in my life, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life anymore. I had basically done an about-face on my direction in life, thinking originally that I wanted to be an attorney or judge on international environmental issues. It was as if someone just turned off the treadmill on me. But, I found my way, and he will too.

I can see that has taken her first steps at settling in to a new town, with new friends, and new horizons. I'm so proud of what she has accomplished. Just turn the heat on and stop freezing yourself. (Not that I have room to talk when I keep our house at 69.) And it was nice to just have some girl chats and hear some well-needed advice to know that you aren't the only one with your demons.

I'm so glad that I made that trip. I just reaffirmed for me how much I love my family and how much I enjoy our closeness. I hope that never changes.

Until next time girls, bada bing bada boom!