The Countdown Begins

Today marks the beginning of the last work week before Lauren departs for France. For those who are not aware, my oldest daughter is going to France, (Brittany to be exact), with Rotary International, for a year as a foreign exchange student. Lauren has been looking towards this for nearly two years now, and the time has nearly arrived.

As a mother, I look at this whole event with a mixture of emotions. Of course I share Lauren's intense excitement and mixed in that is tremendous pride for her achievements. But in there too, is a sense of sadness and loss. I won't see Lauren for nearly a year, and when she returns, she won't be the same. What is left now of the young girl will be but a memory, and in her place will be a young woman. Our home will feel empty without her, and when she does return, she will only be home a few weeks before she leaves again for college in Virginia.

I knew this time was coming, and now I can honestly say that there is nothing one can do to prepare for it. It's just one of those things that I must experience as it happens. I learn and grow with it. It's a new phase for all of us. In the meantime we will send her off with bright hopes and good wishes, knowing that she is taking the first steps towards her own life.

I love you, Sweetheart, and I'm so very proud.