We spent yesterday afternoon packing a suitcase and cramming a duffel bag full of all the stuff that a 13-year-old girl needs when she's going away to camp for a week. (There also may have been a small pile of items her mother thinks she might need over the next few days...as if they're not going to feed her well or provide Band-Aids as needed :)
Today we'll be texting back and forth as she and the sponsors and other teens drive into the North Carolina mountains. By late afternoon, she'll have handed over her phone and we won't be in touch again until Saturday morning.
I'm following in the tradition of my parents and have tucked a note into her suitcase to remind her that we love her and will be missing her. I also remind her that we'll be praying...for spiritual growth, safety, developing friendships, and fun. Each night, when I leave her sister's room after saying good night, I'll step into her room and pray for her.
I'm excited because she's excited - having anticipated this trip for months - and because she's embracing this normal step in growing up. I'm sad because it's yet another small move toward independence...and I know where that leads in the end.
As parents, we often walk that fine line between holding on too tightly and letting go too early. It's a finely choreographed dance, offering manifold opportunities to ask God for the wisdom He promises.
It's going to be mighty quiet around here this week. She'll be miles away making memories and we'll be eating and talking and living as a family of three.
And it won't quite feel right until she walks back through our door on Saturday afternoon.
I was just thinking about how glad I am that I can have my children around me all the time, that I didn't buy into the lie that I have to send them off to school or daycare or wherever. But your post bring to mind the time when I will send one of them off to camp for a week, then it will be two, then three, then all of them. How quiet the house will be! And how I will miss them, but it will be a good thing for all of us, as you say.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter left at 6:40am and I'm waiting for a text....and waiting... :) No, I'm sure she's enjoying the car ride with friends, though I will check in around lunchtime if I still haven't heard from her.
DeleteMeanwhile, I think my younger daughter is living the dream :) I let her sleep in, eat a late breakfast, and now she's playing a game by herself. It will be an interesting week for all of us - and we'll have lots to talk about when it's back to the four of us!
Hope you have a great week!
Love this!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Molly! My younger daughter spent the night with a friend last night, so it's eerily quiet in the house this morning.... Missing my girls, but glad they're able to be out doing things they enjoy.
DeleteRead your post on price matching yesterday. I used to do more couponing, etc., but have gotten away from it lately. However, you inspired me 'cause I printed several pages of coupons yesterday, :) Now to use them!
Have a great Tuesday!!
She should be home now - JOY!!! I can't wait to hear her take on the week through you!
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