Same home. Same event.

Different  responses.

Enthusiasm- Energy Drain.
Forward facing- Memory Embracing.
Kendra’s twinkling eyes- My tear-glistening eyes.

She can’t wait.

I hope for more time.

She’s heading back to school. Two-hundred and thirty-four miles from home.

 Four hours from…me.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for her. She’s living her life. 
This is as it should be. 

It just hurts.

No, she isn’t my first kid to do this.
Three others have gone before.

No, this isn’t her first year.
It’s her third.

Repetition has not softened the ache. 

I will miss her.

And…that’s all.

by,
Kendra’s Mom

 Find Raising Little Kids with Big Love on Amazon or at Barnes and Noble.
(for parents of children toddler-eight.)

© LoriWildenberg. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Lori Wildenberg is a licensed parent and family educator, parent coach, and co-founder of 1Corinthians13 Parenting.com. She has written 6 books including Messy Journey: How Grace and Truth Offer the Prodigal a Way Home; The Messy Life of Parenting: Powerful and Practical Ways to Strengthen Family Connections; and her most recent book, Messy Hope: Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety, Depression, or Suicidal Ideation. Contact Lori for your next event or for parent consulting or parent training courses. Lori can also be found mentoring over at the MOMS Together Group on Facebook.