Monday, February 23, 2009

He's Outta Heah...



My son Cordell, my youngest child, my beautiful baby boy, has hopped a plane and moved his guitar, his laptop and his long board to South Korea. He's left behind his business suits, his books, his beloved DuCati motorcyle, and his family.

He left just last Saturday and I miss him already. It's going to be a looooong year to 15 months before he comes back. He's my poet, my free spirit, my adventurer. Well, truth be told, they're all a little on the adventurous side, and without children, jobs, mortgage payments, etc... they'd all be more inclined to let their free spirits soar into the wild blue. But, he's untethered by such responsibilities at this stage of his life. So... he's gone to find new caves to spelunk, more cliffs to dive from, more mountain trails to explore, more cities to shop, more languages to learn, and cultures to absorb. The great event of the dinner that we went out for the evening he left, was his FIRST BITE OF MEAT in over thirteen years. He decided that he ought to be prepared to try some of the abundance of local seafood while living in Korea, and thought he should share this big step with his family. That's shrimp that he's talking himself into lifting to his mouth... and that's my fork ready to take it off of his plate if he didn't hurry. It was great tasting stuff! He preferred his veggies and tofu. I knew I should have grabbed it.

So long, sweetie... I'll keep your latest picture on my desk until I hear your footsteps coming up the walk, and see your broad shoulders filling my doorway again.
Be well, stay well....

26 comments:

Deborah Godin said...

Sounds like he's in for quite an adventure. I admire people like that, and being one who didn't get the travel gene, I'm always ready to look at pictures!

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Blessings of safety and joy to your son! What a great adventure!

Blessings of comfort as he leaves and praying your heart won't feel too hollow till he comes back!

BTW, he's very handsome!

Great Grandma Lin said...

boy he certainly has his mom's eyes...I feel like aunt lin after hosting him in our casita. will be anxious to get reports on how teaching english goes in korea. that is an adventure...

Linda Reeder said...

That's one dreamy guy following his dreams!

Sandy said...

Oh so bitter sweet! Congratulations for raising children that dare to be different. We need many of them coming up if we're going to change this rut we're. I'm so happy for your son, what a wonderful opportunity, and good for you for supporting him on his venture.

Chandi said...

I teared up when I read his email, and they teared up even more when I read this. I miss him already too. Wierd huh? It's not like he lived here, but just knowing he's gone for a whole year in a strange land. Big Sigh..........

Sylvia K said...

I hold good thoughts, he's like my own, reaching for the new adventure, the new dream, the new whatever! I love them for the courage they have to pursue the dream. We're blessed to have raised them to beleive it is possible! He's beautiful!

Kay said...

Caryn, I know it's not the most important thing but he's really a handsome young man with those beautiful curls. He looks like an adventurous angel. He IS definitely beautiful.

I've got a son just like him. Wanting to see the world, unafraid, independent. All we can do is love them and be happy and proud for them. Cordell sounds like a free spirit who is open minded and breaking new ground! What a guy!

Jo, a retired teacher said...

Lovely post, Caryn. He is a pretty one. With that light colored, curly hair, he will stand out in Korea. I have a young friend who spent 18 months in Korea nearly 20 years ago and she still has friends from that time. She also makes a delightful rice dish that she wraps in seaweed and eats with chopsticks.

If he can get good computer broadband, maybe you can SKYPE sometimes and it won't seem so bad to have him gone.

Rambling Woods said...

Wow...look at that handsome guy..It's hard for us Moms when we need to let go so they can follow their own paths....We give them wings.... Michelle

dellgirl said...

You have a beautiful (glad you said it first) son, since guys prefer handsome I would have chosen that instead. But, he is beautiful. I 'feel' you on missing him already. My baby son moved across town a couple of years ago and I felt as if he had moved out of the country. That took quite a lot of getting used to, especially with him being the baby.

Jordyn is my free spirited adventurer, she's always off on some journey or another.

I can't wait to hear of his adventures!

Jean said...

I second Linda Reeder's comment. Wow!

Gutsy Living said...

I have 3 sons and love adventure and independence myself. Good for him for taking advantage of life's opportunities. Great post.

Sylvia K said...

He's a beautiful young man and I know you will miss him, but how great that he has the courage to pursue his dreams. I'll hold good thoughts for both of you.

SandyCarlson said...

I hope his time is rich in adventure. I remember doing something similar in a different part of the world. Was worth it. Was possible with supportive parents like you.

God bless.

Unknown said...

How sad and exciting at the same time. Who knows when the infamous Stott clan will be able to come together again? Aww He will be greatly missed!

SandyCarlson said...

Thanks for stopping by this morning! (Your comments are as good as a coffee time with a cyber mom!)

Susan said...

what an amazingly handsome young man...and why is he going to Korea? Did I miss this?

Trina said...

It's so hard to let them go, and yet so exciting to experience these adventures vicariously through them. He is such an interesting guy and will definitely be missed. Good luck Momma!

Thad said...

Aunt Caryn we love you. You are so amazing! We look forward to reading your comments everytime we look at our blog. Thank you for your kind words and advice.

Mare said...

Well the comments before me have said it all. Handsome young man following a dream. I hope he shares details with you over the year so that we can follow on his expedition. The saying 'The decision to have children is to accept the fact that your heart will forever exist outside of your body.' is so true. As a mother, I'm thinking that you are proud of him, and already missing him. Caryn, I wish all good things for you and your family.
And my mom[Flo] loves, loves, loves curls. She thinks his hair is gorgeous!!

Jade said...

Bye Ty we'll miss you! I can't believe he ate meat! You'll have to keep us updated on his adventures.

PS did he go with his girlfriend?

Jaclyn B. said...

That is such a huge step for a non meat eater! I didn't realize he'd be vegetarian that long. I think it's great he's willing to bend his diet rules a little in order to get the full cultural experience. I have no doubt he'll do just that!

dellgirl said...

Hi, Caryn. Just stopping in to say hello and see how you are. Thanks for dropping in and commenting on my blog the other day. Nothing interesting going on here, I'm still busy as the dickens. Getting a whole lot done, thank goodness. I really miss my daily dose of blogging, maybe I can get back to it soon.

Have a good day tomorrow and a nice weekend.

SandyCarlson said...

I hope your son is doing well on his adventure!

Thanks for your comment on my blog today. I'm not giving up the washing machine, either--though I will go to bed earlier.

SandyCarlson said...

Hello,
Thanks again for your kind, supportive coment on my poem today. Your warmth and kindness always make my day.