when the time is right...

About a week ago we had a little Cinco de Mayo party... just family, and friends that might as well be family.   We never want to miss a chance to celebrate Mexican food, and with Laura leaving for Zoo School just three days later, the timing was perfect!  We had more chips than we could possibly consume, tacos, various dips and ice cream sundaes.  You can never go wrong with sundaes, especially if you are partying on a Sunday.  Laura received a few sweet going-away gifts, but always a shining star, Suz outdid them all, and also brought me a gift!  A nice big box of Kleenex, tied up in lime green ribbon.  I almost needed to open that box then and there{because she is always so thoughful!}

But a full week, and many miles later, the box remains sealed.  I kind of expected that it would be, although everyone assured and promised me I would need it.  And not actually needing it?  It could make me feel like a bad mother, but I have decided not to buy into that.  We are all just so excited, and there comes a time when they really are ready to go...

We spent three full days together... getting her there and moving her in.  We decorated, we shopped, and even took a trial spin on the bus, so it might not be so scary when she takes her first solo trip {it would be scary for me, but my girl is far braver...}  We lugged boxes, talked and laughed.  Explored book stores, and loaded up on groceries.  And when it was time, we let her take the lead on our  farewell. 

She decided Friday night, with a Saturday morning option, just in case.  After a stir-fry dinner, and talking her through how she could do it on her own, we said our goodbyes.  Eric pulled her into his arms and held on a little longer than usual.  I took her face in my hands and kissed her with an I love you, and then we left her smiling.  No tears... because we could see a confidence in her that assured us the time was right.

As we made our way home, I though of a million more things I could tell her... but I resisted.   She will figure it out.  Her tool box is full.  Lessons and bits of wisdom, nagging reminders and the echoes of my voice pressing on her to do one thing or another, recipes for favorite dishes and for life itself, and love... so. much. love. 

Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe,
and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.    -A.A. Milne

linking up to richella's grace at home party...