061308

The day she graduates from high school.  The nest will be empty. 

What are two parents supposed to do with themselves now?  What will we do with those hours that used to be reserved for handling the crisis of the day?  For calling school to address her absence?  For waking her up and then waking her up again?  How will we replace those moments when we could solve a problem?  When we received a special hug?  When we found her lost object?  When we watched her tiny body in a pink leotard parade across the stage? 

For 18 years we have watched her come and go.  We have seen her learn and we have seen her try and fail.  We have watched her win and watched her triumph over challenges.  We have been proud and we have been disappointed.  Now we will be doing that from afar.

This last year has been a special one as we have had more time together.  It has made as all stronger and more able to handle the coming separation.  But it won't be easy.