Interlochen Campus

It was a rush decision, a true leap of faith, to send Fiona away to Interlochen Arts Academy http://academy.interlochen.org/, a premier boarding high school for young artists, in Interlochen, Michigan.  It is her senior year and we were not expecting to “let her go” so soon.  It was truly the best thing for her (that will appear in a separate post in maybe 6 years).

I had two weeks to prepare for her departure.  The physical and mental tasks involved were mundane but fun; like preparing to go away to college, the first time in the dorms.  I think I’m pretty attuned to my emotions but even so, I was not prepared for the iron weight of saying “goodbye.”

Some lessons I learned ( because there were many I probably have not uncovered yet) the weekend Lizzy (younger sister) and I dropped Fiona off at Interlochen (Opening weekend):

1. No matter how hard parenting a teenager is, and how painful it can be, my love for my teens (kids – whatever age), will ALWAYS overshadow that pain and difficulty.  Saying goodbye is intense and heavy and wonderful when it’s right.
2. The more siblings argue, the stronger the bond.  (I don’t actually have any proof of this but I’d like to think that the sibling bond I’ve witnessed, in my own kids and in my own relationships, is stronger than any).
3. You can go further, and better, with your community (Thank you my friends and family!).  And your continued journey (or Pilgrimage) will always be better when you include your people and open yourself up to your community.
4. “Pilgrimage” is a good word.  It takes on many meanings: like a quest, or a personal journey; or a literal journey; or a discovery of new lands.
5. Eating balanced meals every day is good.  Actually, it can change your life.  Not eating balanced meals can make you very sad.
6. I apologize in advance for this next lesson but it has to be said:  Michigan drivers are obnoxious, but also serious about adhering to highway etiquette (i.e. left lane for passing only); Indiana drivers may very well be very lovely people, but they don’t know bunk about the “rules of the road;” Wisconsin drivers are both of these bad things.  Illinois.  I can’t.
7. Mostly, I learned that seeing your child in the right place is wonderful and warms your heart.  It isn’t because of me or her father that she’s there.  It is not an outside force.  It’s her own self that got her where she is and what will make her experiences (of course with the community and family holding her up should she stumble).  Being a proud parent is the best.

Thank you Interlochen for showing me my own personal pilgrimage.  

Lizzy at Interlochen campus

For a glimpse into Interlochen and that special opening weekend, here is an archived webcast of the Opening Convocation. One of my favorites was the talk given by Nicola Conraths Lange, Director of Comparative Arts, on “What to bring and what to leave behind” (towards the middle of program).

http://www.interlochen.org/media/archived-webcast-interlochen-arts-academy-2016-2017-opening-convocation-9-3-16