Diving In

I observed a tender moment with a friend while visiting her 97 year old mother.  Her mom said, “Oh I just love you so much, I just want to take a piece of you and keep you with me.”  A sweet hug and laughter followed.  I shared that sweet sentiment today with my daughter.  She is standing on the edge, waiting to take a big dive into her life, and I’m thrilled for her.  The only difference is that when I shared that statement with her, I cried.  They were selfish tears that only a mother’s heart knows and I didn’t apologize for them, because they were too raw and much too real.  Of course I’m thrilled that my girl is following her dream and I wouldn’t want it any other way.  But a heart ache is just a thought away sometimes, so I had to admit that I was being selfish.  I think she might have choked back some tears herself when she explained that she’ll only be thirteen hours away.  Ok, reality check…hmmm, she is not in another country.  That’s good.  She’ll be living somewhere safe, that’s good too.  What else can I think of to make me feel better?  Right now, I got nothin’.   The truth is that I can’t just keep a little piece of her to myself, or can I?  When she rejoices, I will rejoice with her.  When she is across the miles needing support, I have a feeling she might give me a jingle.  I have a favorite saying, and I can see her repeating it to me….I need to put my big girl pants on and dive in right with her.

         Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep…
                                                                                                                                     Romans 12:15

Me and Dana during a summer visit

A stone shaped heart on the gravel drive