This has been one hell of a week. Lily and I have accomplished a ton. Surviving the drive so far ranks amongst my highest accomplishments. Not killing my daughter or self is also right up there. There is so much pressure when you are traveling in the unfamiliar with someone you love so much. I was so keen on protecting and supporting Lily that at times, I just bubbled over with anxiety myself.

Traveling can be tough enough but the added anxiety of leaving my girl in a foreign country to start University really takes the cake. I have practiced all my strategies for calming myself down, drank a fair amount of whiskey and reassured myself that this is such an amazing opportunity that Lily has been given. I have slept fitfully.

We have been busy in Exeter. We did IKEA twice. We bought loafers, raincoats, trainers, an iron, a kettle, food, school supplies, storage containers, a bookcase, plants, knick knacks, lamps, bedding, towels, and toiletries. We bought a new phone and set it up. We visited a local bank to learn about the process of starting a bank account. We moved her in. That involved 5 flights of stairs and no elevator.

We met nice people. We went the wrong way on a one way street twice. We saw other students. We fought. We made up. We laughed and we cried.

I got out for a couple of walks and runs which helped me calm down. This little city is really neat. There is river waterfront with tons of running and biking trails as well as a busy high street and malls. Tons of restaurants and pubs line the streets and there are people everywhere.

Lily’s dorm sits near the top of a hill and looks out over the city and pastures beyond. It is really something. Her attic room has eaves and beautiful rounded windows that allow a great deal of light. Her room is bigger than we expected and it is really cozy.

We know the time is drawing near to say, “goodbye” and we dread it. I feel like it is past time for me to leave Lily so she can be more motivated to meet her fellow students and learn about her new world. I can’t hesitate because I have a new life waiting for me in France. So Goodbye. Not quite yet. Tomorrow.