Letting go

We have been moving towards this day since the day I first held you in my arms, minutes old, already stretching, looking and trying to figure out this new place you suddenly found your self in. As a toddler, you were never one to cling, but always looking ahead and moving forward. The first time you were on skies, you went flying down the hill with total abandonment Whee, look at me.....

Tomorrow, we will pack the car and take you to college. The shopping is done, the money is in the bank, clothes are packed and once again you are careening towards your future. I keep wanting to hold you back, wanting to tell you one more important thing that I am sure will change your life.

I remember when my parents took me to college. The two hour trip seemed so loooong as they tried to cram in more advice and comments. I wish now I had a tape recorder of what they said, so I could play it for you. Did they feel this same sense of confusion - did we do enough? Did we do too much? How will he handle his first cold, his first test, his first... And under all of it is the thought not how will he handle it, but how will I handle these firsts when I am not there to see them.

I can only trust that God has you in his hand. That the same God who guided you through the first 18 years of your life will continue to be there. He will be the one to lift you up when you fall, to comfort you when you cry, and to share the joys and happiness.


I used to read you the book "I'll love you Forever" In it a Mom sings to the little boy each night "I'll love you forever, I like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you will be" She continues to sing as he gets older, and even when he has his own house, she climbs through the window and when she knows he is asleep, she takes him in her arms and sings I'll love you forever, I like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you will be"

So I guess it doesn't matter how far you go, I will always love you forever and like you for always, as long as I am living my baby you will be.