much ado about nothing

So I've been freaking out this week, trying to imagine my father's reaction to the news that I'm going to apply to the Peace Corps. & honestly, it was almost a let-down. He was so okay w/ it, that it's unnerving. He asked questions, I answered. Mom started crying. He asked more questions, I answered. The jist? He thinks it's a good & noble cause, & that's pretty much it. *is blown away*

I can't even tell you what kind of a relief this is. I thought that he'd be mad that I'm still not ready to go to graduate school, but as it turns out, he just laughed & said, "well, Mom & Dad wanted me to go to school & I didn't. So..." & then he raised his eyebrows, kind of like *well, that's what happens... kids follow in your footsteps.* I feel so warm & happy that I have their support. Gah. Now I'm crying, too. The simple fact that I have a chance at the kind of life I want, not just the kind of work I want... it's too much for me. In this bleak winter that's sucking the soul out of me... I needed this hope so badly. & now I have it.