General Chat

took our eldest daughter to the airport yesterday, she's going to New Zealand for a twelve month work placement as part of her Degree. lots of tears at the airport (she flew from Manchester to heathrow on the first leg of her journey) she phoned from heathrow (more tears) then when we went to bed last night and found that she written each of us a note and left them under our bedside lamps(yet more tears) we are hoping to fly out and visit her next year . we are so proud of her i. sorry for boring you but i had to tell someone and it's easier to keep the tears under control while typing. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- thank you for your comments could'nt reply last night as we were waiting for her to call (no broadband) finally rang about 11:30 ( 8:30 am in Sidney) all ok she used to hate flying but says she's got over it now,so that's a big milestone for someone who want's to work in the tourism industry.

Duncan Not boring at all - a big step for her, and you should be proud. You will miss her like mad, but I hope you have a fantastic time when you go out there! nell

Ahhh, I would be exactly the same. She sounds a wonderful, loving girl though, so you should be very proud.

Duncan, I know exactly how you feel, we left the UK July 2nd last year for 3 years.. Dad didnt want us to come as he had never flown and told me he wouldnt. Well he visited last month had a great time but states he will not get on that plane again!! In 3 weeks time we will have been here a year, I cant believe how quick time has passed, it only seems like yesterday I was wondering if we were doing the right thing. Just look forward to the holiday and admire your daughter for getting up and doing something, not everyone can do it. From a daddy's girl.. Debs x

Duncan It is always sad when our children fly the nest. What a wonderful opportunity for her. The year will pass so quickly and then a great holiday and reunion. Jean x.

Aww Duncan, look forward to you holiday with her. Use the internet to keep in touch. A year will soon pass. Its lovely to hear a dad saying how much he misses his daughter, its usually us mum's doing that, while the dads act all macho. You all sound lovely. Maggie

Duncan, be proud of yourselves that you have brought your daughter up to be able to take a big step towards independence knowing she has your full support. You have given her the ability and confidence to do so. Susan

Hello Duncan Be proud of her, my two sons went round the world for a year they phoned every week and emailed the year went by so quick. My 33 year old son now has given his job up in London to do the same for a year. We never had the chances they have today...... Sue............. She will have a fantastic time and I wish her well.

Duncan, She will have a whale of a time. Whereabouts will she be based? There are a number of members on these boards who come from NZ who I'm sure would be only too glad to 'be there' for her if she gets homesick. Melanie, Wendy and Christine for starters! I am going myself later in the year to visit our son (I'm sure him and his girlfriend would be a friendly ear too) - We will be touring north and south islands - so if you need anything delivering - just say! Magsxxx

What an incredible adventure, such a lovely way to build memories. Hope she has a safe and happy year.

Duncan You've done a good job raising her if she's able to spread her wings like this. What a wonderful experience she'll have to look back on and well done for encouraging her. Our eldest daughter is on her gap year and we've only had to cope with her being away a month at a time but it's still hard and I do so hate airports sometimes!! She's off again in a couple of weeks (also to NZ) and will be away until September and then off to Uni. Her little sister really misses her. We miss them but they need to fly and they'll always know where home is. Thinking of you. Daisy

Just found your thread Duncan and had to reply because I know exactly how you feel. My daughter has just finished her degree in German and Spanish, which included a year abroad in Madrid. I flew out to Madrid to help her find somewhere to live, and leaving her crying in Madrid airport when I can home was the hardest thing that I have ever done in my life! She finished her time in Madrid (she was also there when the Madrid bombing took place, which was very traumatic!) and she had a wonderful time, didn't want to come home when her year had finished. Good news too, she got her results last week, she got a 2:1, which makes it all worthwhile. I'm sure that your daughter will enjoy her time in New Zealand just as much, good luck to her and try not to worry too much! Maggy