Different

B. returned home last week a changed young man. More independent (which didn't seem possible since he's pretty independent anyway), more confident. He had an amazing time and very much enjoyed 3 weeks of no parental authority. He returned to the 'real world' and was grounded within 24 hours of his return - for not following through on the ONE thing asked of him his first full day home - haul his suitcase upstairs and unpack. The suitcase was still in the hallway by the garage door when I returned from work the next day - and he was promptly grounded. A seemingly monumental injustice which he kept responding to with 'I just forgot'. Well, there are consequences to forgetting - as he learned.

He is setting up a page on MySpace, which I was opposed to. But then I saw it and was able to view the pages of the various friends he made on the trip - and see so many pictures of B. on those pages with these new friends - clearly attached to each other during this special three week journey, making memories they will never forget and experiencing a type of friendship that only happens when people are thrust into a completely strange environment far from home. Two girls kissing him on the cheek (one on each side) and a friend in the background giggling. A group of guys and girls trying to get the BeefEater guy to crack up. Friendship and happiness and independence written all over their faces.

B. got lost in the Louvre. He handled it well - went to the information desk and waited there until the European guide assigned to their group came and found him. He said from then on, periodically, someone in the group would say 'where's B.?' to make sure he was with them. He even captured one of those friends doing that on one of the videos he took. It was nice to feel the kids watching out for each other - and the various picutres attest to that as well.

When they all came toward the gate at the airport - a see of maroon shirts - all the parents and family waiting let out a big cheer. There were tears all around - parents tearing up with happiness and relief; friends crying over leaving their new friends. The reunion in September is highly anticipated and we are all looking forward to it.

We are happy he had the opportunity to explore a part of the world on his own. He certainly came home with a new perspective on being an American. And a new appreciation of 'home'. What that means; what it is. Including that being home involves parents and a sibling and responsibilities - being a part of a family is what being home is. I am so glad he's home. I missed him more than I can express in words - and I am so proud of him and the man he is becoming. He amazes me everyday - even when he's pissing me off.