Day 9, Part 1
We woke up early as the plan had been to go to Boatwrights for a really nice breakfast. This didn't happen though as it was clear that my mom was not in the mood to walk over to Riverside. I was disappointed as I knew I wouldn't get to try this restaurant again during our trip and I had heard that they offered some of the best breakfasts on property.
We were all checking out today so it was time to make sure all our belongings were packed and that we hadn't left anything behind. I took our Wedding Cake out of the fridge and contemplated taking it with us to The Grand Floridian. We decided it would be easier to get rid of it as we had no idea how long it would be before we had access to a fridge again. It was so hard to leave it as over the last few days it had tasted so much better. Once refrigerated the icing had set and the cake was so cold but moist. I had always taken a few forkfuls every morning and evening when we returned, it really was the best cake I had ever tasted.
We grabbed our suitcases and made sure that Mom had not left anything behind. I checked to make sure she had her tickets etc and we made our way down the stairs of POFQ. It was both a sad and exciting day. I was upset that my mom was leaving but I welcomed the thought of spending the next 2 weeks alone.
We approached the lobby of POFQ and it dawned on me that this part of our honeymoon was over:
I wanted us all to check out and then grab something for breakfast at FloatWorks. My mom's coach wasn't due to pick her up until 11.30am but we wanted to make sure that we were out in plenty of time. Steven and I intended to catch a cab to The Grand Floridian and just take our luggage with us.
There was an area in the lobby stating airline check ins and mom wanted to ask them where she should wait so I went over with her:
You can see my mom and I in the background
They advised us that she would be getting picked up by Coach USA at the pick up point which was outside and to the left. They told us it was better to be out there at least 30 minutes prior to her pick up time as often they come early.
Realising that we didn't need to check out as we had already handed over our Credit Card for advance check out, we headed over to Float Works and grabbed some breakfast. Mom got herself a bowl of fruit and an Orange Juice, Steven got an Omelette and OJ and I grabbed a Danish and a coffee.
Things were quiet and I think we just didn't really know what to say anymore. I didn't want to talk about my mom's journey as I didn't want to upset her but I knew she would think something was wrong if I didn't speak. So I asked her if she had managed to have a good time and she said it had been the best time ever. I was somewhat taken aback by her response as throughout her time here she had often acted as if she hadn't been having a good time at all.
Luckily my mom has a very short term memory and seems to only remember the good times, which I am very grateful for. The last thing I wanted was her to go home and think about all the things she didn't do or see. I had hoped that this would be memorable for her and I was glad to hear that we had succeeded. She started mentioning all the things she would like to see next time and that she would have to come for 2 weeks.
She had loved the Dining Plan and that was probably one of the biggest highlights of her holiday. It was nice to see her so animated and I felt more relaxed about her going home.
All in all, there are parts of me that wished that Steven and I had more time alone during that first week, but when it comes down to it I am glad I asked my mother to come. Sure we fought a lot and we spent a bit too much time together but she attended our wedding and was there for me when I needed her the most and that makes it all worthwhile. My mom and I are really close and I guess that's why we got on better when I moved out. I haven't lived with her since I was 18. The relationship my mom and I have now is so much better. We are good friends as well as mother and daughter.
We exited POFQ for the last time and headed over to the pick up point. We had to wait 45 minutes for the Coach to arrive but we managed to get my mom on the bus with some difficulty. She started to cry, and then I started to cry and we both gave her a big hug. I felt like I was deserting her. I quickly told her about where she was to go when she got off the bus and that if she was unsure to make sure she asked someone. I asked her if she wanted us to call her when she got home just to make sure and she told us she would be fine.
We waved goodbye to her and I told her how much I loved her and that she was going to be okay. She said she loved me too and was sorry for being upset towards the end. She wished us a wonderful Honeymoon and she boarded the Coach.
She sat at the window, waving and crying and I felt my heart sink, it had never occurred to me that it would be so hard saying goodbye
Coming up...
Pixie Dust at The Grand Floridian and a special gift not once, not twice but three times.
Good luck tomorrow 
- I will be thinking of you!
It better be her. I know I'm in the right but it still doesn't feel great to have to go to Court to prove it. So wish me luck girls all pixie dust will be appreciated!
Perhaps with a little bit of advice from work you can get all your facts together and be done with it on the 28th. 
Summer - I know it must have been hard to leave mom, as when we go on vacation with my mom every year the kids get very sad too. They had their nannie all week. I sure hope you feel better though 
and tons of luck in Court. I hope it goes well. Be sure to report back as soon as you can. 
