August 3, 2023
It’s now halfway through summer 2023, and I feel wonderful about my dear daughter’s progress in life. She took the position as a property manager in a West Coast city, encouraged and supported by her older sister (and OS’s boyfriend). It was a process, though, wow. Her sister flew over, helped her pack and sort, and together they drove a rental truck 11 hours to the new place. There were still a few days left on the old lease, so my daughter opted to leave her car, and postpone the final cleaning until she came back.

She rested for a day or two, and then flew back to get the last of her things, clean the old apartment, and drive back to the new city all on her own. I got her to agree that she’d let me track her while she was on the road, because I know she hadn’t been on the ball taking care of her car. Long story short, though, she made it in one piece. I didn’t bother her while she was driving, but I checked her whereabouts every hour for the 11 or 12 hours she was on the road!

I resisted temptation and left both daughters alone, periodically texting to check that all was well. They assured me it was. Both daughters commenced shopping and decorating the new place, and my younger daughter began her training for the new job. She was also working on getting acclimated to her new surroundings and lifestyle.

Of course, I was desperate to see my children, and especially needed to see this new place, so I gave her nearly a month, and made my plan to visit.

I came back last week from my visit, and these are my observations:

1. The new apartment and the surrounding neighborhood are gorgeous.
2. She is doing a great job of making it hers, but allowing her sister to help decorate (her forte).
3. She is adapting well to living in a walking city, and her dogs are reaping the benefits of more exercise and a peaceful environment.
4. She’ll do a great job as a property manager; her sister has to trust her more and not be condescending. They have different approaches, but my younger daughter is very mature and a great employee.
5. My two daughters are getting along, but need to communicate better. OS needs to mother less and YS needs to express herself more. Sometimes, she needs her space, and she should say so instead of getting bitchy.
6. YS’s car is in terrible condition, but it runs fine and she doesn’t need it as much anymore. I’ll need to switch it into her name in September.
7. Both daughters and I had great, separate conversations. They’re both full-on adults.
8. I’m so hopeful that this will be a new life for my younger daughter. She said she’s so happy there, loves her apartment, and can see herself making this her home and living there a long time.