He left on April 15th, that used to be the day taxes were due. It’s been just a little over a month. He landed a job, he landed an apartment. The job part was easier than the apartment. I guess it’s hard to find an open apartment in San Francisco.
I teased him when he was looking, “if you find an apartment with a claw foot tub, I just may have to move in with you” They found an apartment with a clawfoot tub. They did!! A really deep, really old tub. It’s magnificent.
And even though the apartment only has two windows facing another building, one in the bathroom, one in the living space, it’s relatively a light and airy place, the high coved ceilings help make it feel spacious.
I remember Austin telling me “mom! it even has one of those elevators with the metal cage!” I think the timing was perfect. They got word that they were approved the day before his 21st birthday. What a perfect birthday gift.
I’m a mom. I get nervous. I miss him like you couldn’t believe, he is my first born. He came out with wonder in his eyes. So quiet and just took it all in. He has not stopped taking it all in. He notices things. He especially has a heart for people and notices people who can be invisible to some. He sees them and this works well because his love also has a big heart for people. They both help people together and I couldn’t be more proud.
We were talking on the phone this past Friday…Friday the 13th in fact. I had not heard his voice in 6 days and so I called. I took a chance and just called. He answered. It made my night to hear him talk about his plans, how he needed renters insurance and was considering a second job. It was like he grew up into a full fledged grown up over night. I even said to him, “Austin, I’m so proud of you” I heard the smile in his voice and he sort of didn’t know how to respond to that. I am proud. I’m nervous for him just because I know life can be hard. I wish life wouldn’t be so hard but it is. It just is. I feel as if it gets more difficult the more the years go by. Things seem more expensive. I said to him not too long ago...."if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere" I believe that.
