farmdoc's blog post number 97

Tears are a combination of water, oils and mucus. We shed tears for psychological reasons (e.g. joy, sadness, pain) or due to eye irritation (e.g. dust, onions). Yesterday morning Melbourne Airport was dustless and onionless, and the tears were flowing when sweetheart Vivienne’s and my darling youngest daughter departed for the USA where in early September she’s starting a 2-year Master of Fine Arts [MFA] degree at New York University [NYU]. It seems only a moment, but it was actually 26 days, ago when we and our tears welcomed her to Launceston. And now the same tiny figure, wearing the same light blue jacket, has gone. I know that the USA is the best place for her writing career, and that we’ll see her every few months, either here or there, and be in electronic contact much more often. But none of that makes it any easier for me. It just doesn’t. I think that all parents instinctively protect their offspring; that all offspring instinctively strive towards independence; and that the offsprings’ instinct is stronger because one day their parents won’t be around to protect them. So, darling daughter, fly. Spread your wings. Soar. And know that I, your father, will be with you in spirit. Always. Do your best. And don’t forget: Give ‘em hell.