In Just a Few More Hours

I got emotional tonight while doing some final packing. Planning for the actual drive to Oregon has been a distraction from facing the final conclusion of the trip–saying goodbye to my daughter in an airport 3,000 miles away and boarding a plane that will take me in the opposite direction. It finally hit me that this is the last concentrated time with Dani before her life as an adult begins. We are on the cusp where that mother/daughter relationship makes the transition into a friendship as grown women living our own lives. It’s a natural part of life, I know, but it doesn’t make me miss my sweet little girl any less.

While I was stuffing my suitcase with items I probably won’t wear, the memories of her growing years played out in my mind. Her first steps, first day of kindergarten, her first Girl Scout award, the student-of-the-month celebrations, her baptism, her high school graduation–I can go on and on. They are all good memories, for sure. She has enriched my life and taught me lessons in ways only a mother can understand.

Dani, my husband, and stepdaughters are my greatest blessings and gifts from God. My life is abundantly blessed with the things that matter most–love and family. So why is this causing such an emotional hiccup for me? I know, I know. Buck up, Buttercup. It’s not the first time there have been tears behind a brave smile and it won’t be the last. But, while I’m alone in my bedroom, I’m going to take the luxury of letting the waterworks fall–it will be healthy, cleansing, and liberating. Tonight, tomorrow, the next day, and the next…