She’s been built for this moment. Shifting into neutral, hugging the wall until she spoke directions…hang the clothing, open this box, fold the towels, letting her take the lead. She stepped right into the position as if it were custom built for her. It was. She came into this world an old soul… twenty years old on day one. So my soul was at peace amidst the drastic change. It was, however, the little things that made me crumble. All moved in, the college conveniently organized back to back freshmen events, leaving parents to explore and wander separate from their babes, ripping the band-aid off quickly.
Away from her, I cried. Failed attempt after
attempt to craft the perfect sloppy top bun left me looking and feeling
lop-sided. She always artfully twisted
my hair in seemingly the simplest ways. Her favorite songs playing in the hotel
lobby…who will keep me current with the freshest tunes? Feeling quite selfish, shifting
instead to the growth and memories she has already begun to experience.
This must be what true love is all about…loving someone so
much that it breaks your fragile heart to part, but realizing they are so much better
for the distance all the same.
A peaceful separation, no gushes of tears, no dramatic
scenes… just singular awareness: no longer a need to leave the light on, an
empty bedroom, one less head to count at bedtime. Go and grow, sweet girl.
