Today we are picking up our daughter from college.  She has just finished her sophmore year & instead of moving home - she is moving into a townhome.  Even though she has been gone at school - she would come home for the weekend now & then.  Her stuff was still intwined with ours.  Evidence of her could still be found as she left things behind when she would head back to school.

Her room here at home is now empty.  Completely bare.

I was getting dressed to go out the other day & it felt so strange not having her stuff there to share - like jewlery :)  She has the funkiest playful jewelry which I love to borrow on occasion. (She likes to borrow my "real" jewelry so I know she'll miss me too.) 

Yes, I know we'll continue to stay close.  We have fortunately forged a relationship bond that is strong. I can't help but feel sad & happy at the same time.  Sad because I love to be in her space, I love her creative energy, I love to see her all undone when she wakes in the morning & put together as she goes out. I hope we will always be so comfortable with each other, that words are not always necessary when together - we can just be in the same space.  I am happy because isn't this what us mom's do - grow our kids up to stand on their own.  I am so grateful to watch the seeds I know I planted take root as she ventures out on her own with confidence.  To hear her acknowledge the positive impact homeschooling her has on her ability to handle the pressures of college.  To listen to her as she shares how she navigates the issues life throws at her & hear wisdom. 

To be here for her when she still needs me to be but to also let go - How did my mother do it?  My mother is an incredble example for me.  Her council is this "Trust God."  I remember thinking "That's it?"  Thankfully - gratefully - mercifully -THAT'S IT.  In knowing my Abba Father's love is in such abundance & He is my daughter's Abba Father too - I can rest in His assurance that He watches out for her even when I am not there.

I still have 2 teenage boys at home to continue raising.  One says he'll never leave home.  I think every family has one that says that.  For right now though it's his way of caring for me but I know it's my job to give him the wings to fly when the right time comes.  Till that time - I will savor each moment