May 16, 2013

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

Photobucket

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

8 comments :

Gabe said...

I love that phrase...her toolbox is full! Oh, that makes me think, are my kids filling their toolboxes?

Glad it went smoothly, almost seamlessly...so happy everyone was ready!

Corinne Cunningham said...

You guys are such incredible examples of love and parenthood. What an awesome journey she's going on!! :)

Richella Parham said...

What a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, WONDERFUL glimpse into your mama-heart. And did I mention that it's wonderful?

Since you have plenty, will you please pass the Kleenex?

Pam said...

So excited that you were able to make it through these days without Suz's thoughtful gift. I am always happy when mexican food is involved. Just sad I live so far away. It's neat to see your girl so grown up and on her own. She will do fine...she has been trained well. Hugs! : )

Busy Bee Suz said...

Oh, the toolbox. I LOVE THAT.....totally stealing it from you. And YES, she will figure it all out. They always do, but only when we let them.
My eyes welled up at your goodbyes....thanks for that.
So, what are you going to do with those tissues?
Tissue flowers for the next fiesta?
XO

Anonymous said...

I haven't commented in awhile; not that I haven't been reading and following all your adventures. :)

I am excited for you and Laura right now. When I moved away from my mom, she became my best friend. It took a couple years, but it happened. Our relationship changed and grew and blossomed and became this completely beautiful thing. It's so amazing how all that works out. :)

Love you, my friend.

Southern Gal said...

You are seriously amazing. And Laura can't help but succeed with you and Eric in her corner. I love that this adventure was exciting and joyful for you all. May I borrow your tissue? ;)

Lynn @whispersfromwildwood said...

This brought tears to my eyes. I think you and I share the same heart as mothers. I remember feeling like this last fall when we left my son at college. He just completed his freshman year and did so well!

Week after next, we'll move him back to ATL into his first apartment! I have a feeling I'm going to have those same emotions all over again!

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