This morning we saw son off. He has gone to a tennis camp at the Bolliterri Tennis Academy in Florida. He will be gone for two weeks. Most of the time is spent at the academy with a three day stop over in LA on the way home. It will be a great experience for him. He is going with a group of 13 kids and 3 coaches. There was some emotion at the airport, mainly from the parents, but also some from the kids. I have to say I didn't feel that emotional. I guess being a 'share care' parent, I'm used to not having him with me for periods of time, especially when he goes away with his Mum on holiday. I do have this low level anxiety about him being on the other side of the world however. I'm not concerned about him being at the academy. It will be so structured and his days so full. I am slightly anxious however, about the days in LA. He's basically a sensible kid, but sometimes can get a bit silly in certain groups. There's some saying about the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. I think that can apply to kids in terms of their sensibilities. Now that he's gone I don't feel so anxious. I guess I know there's nothing I can do but trust the universe that he will be safe and have a great time.
I don't think I nagged him too much. I just told him to ensure he wrote to his grandparents!
10 comments:
Hi Campbell,
How marvelous for Campbell Jr. that he’s off to a tennis camp in Florida for two whole weeks…and how sad for his Mother and Father. Has he ever been away from home for this long before? He may get a twinge of homesickness every now and then while he’s swinging his racket. Remember, there’s no Marmite on the shelves of the chain supermarkets in the U.S., so he’ll be eager to return to Australia. Perhaps he’ll be totally exhausted from 11-days at the Bolliterri Tennnis Academy and will spend the three days he’s in Los Angeles sleeping…NOT! With three coaches to monitor his (and his mates) activities, there’s nothing for you to be concerned about…unless he meets up with Britney Spears, Paris Hilton or Nicole Richie in La-La-Land. Are they planning on going to Disneyland, Universal Studios and all the other “National Institutions” while they’re in my “Fair State”?
Hold on, Dad! Someday he’s probably going to get married…and really be “away”.
Hi Campbell,
If your son eventually plays and wins at Wimbledon, will it be alright to state that his father is a blogging mate?
Yeah..I cant imagine having my son on the other side of the world!!!
I may have some parenting questions later on...
We should've gone with him... could've popped into the Tea Room for some refreshments!
When you wrote about your son playing tennis i just pictured him playing lollypop tennis like junior's tend to do. Well maybe that's what i use to do.
Can I call shotgun for being is warm up partner when he's a professional? Hopefully Federer is still playing by then!
Hi Campbell,
Nash is "spot on"...you two could've driven up the Coast to the central part of California and we could've have a gab-fest...and a few drinks or whatever....
Yeah, when he wins the Grand Slam, I will be wanting to say I know you - even if just electronically! :-) He must be pretty good - well done for showing such a great level of support for him!
Ahhh there is nothing wrong with a little worrying moment from a proud Dad...But just think how exciting it will be when he comes home all buzzed from the trip & with so much to tell you. xoxo
Hi Campbell,
The time to worry is when/if he has NOTHING to tell you...
Yes everyone, you can all claim your (less than) six degrees of separation when he's presented with the Cup at Wimbledon!
Miss L. , the 'National Institutions are definitely on the agenda when the group is in your neck of the woods. I am psyching myself up for the nil communicado stage - but hopefully it won't come.
NSSG: You're parenting plans sound exciting. I'll be interested to read your progress.
Nash: A tea room visit would have been great.
Shaney: I am looking forward to hearing about it when he returns. I have spoken with him once since he's been there and it's all good so far. He was mainly into describing the accommodation which sounds pretty 5 star!
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