Well, Claire left early this morning 2,175 miles away to Mesa, Arizona
to start another chapter in her beautiful life.
She and N were repping NC as they drove out of sight.
I am so proud of her.
I am thrilled for her.
But I will miss her.
She and N packed the last few items into her already stuffed car.
I don't know how she managed to fit all her things in. It was a miracle!
We prayed together, hugged, and then said goodbye.
Christian, Gigs, and Lod went inside, but I had to wait and watch as they
drove out of Stillestead, down the path, until they were out of sight.
Then I cried.
As I walked up the porch steps,
I envisioned another chapter turning in my book of life.
It seems like the pages are turning too quickly lately.
I went inside, curled up in my bed, and cried.
I've experienced this before. With each child headed off on a mission,
with each child leaving for college, even the first days of school
were bittersweet.
I welcome the weight of change because I know
it also carries the promise of new beginnings,
but it still felt so heavy on my heart.
And....
Claire will be back next month as we welcome home Ollie,
so I had that to look forward to, at least.
...
Later, it was Gigs who encouraged me to get up by promising me
a dinner date if I would accompany him to look at another motorcycle.
I didn't want to go, but I was glad I did.
Spending time with him was exactly what I needed.
