My baby is going to Orlando today.  Without me. I know I’m over-protective, there’s no need to inform me of that, thank you very much. From where I sit though, the world isn’t nearly protective enough of its children, so I’m trying to make up for it.

It is time however, to let my children spread their wings a little and I’ve been doing that.  Little by little, I’ve been giving them a little more freedom here, a bit more privilege there.  So far it’s been working very well, and last week my very good friend’s daughter asked if Haley could accompany them on her birthday outing to Orlando.  Her mother, knowing me very well, told her daughter that she could, indeed ask Haley to join them, but not to be too disappointed when I said no.   I surprised them all.   Haley has spent quite a bit of time with this family, she always enjoys it and I know that my friend Irene is as, if not more, diligent than I am.  I agreed that it would be a great time and gave my permission for Haley to go.

As the week drew to a close, I started to panic a little.  Thankfully, another good friend invited us over yesterday which gave my mind something else to do so that I wouldn’t obsess over the idea of my daughter being 100 miles away from me. We had a lovely day playing with them and went food shopping after we left their house.  By the time I got home, put the groceries away, got everyone fed, showered and into pajamas, I was pretty tired myself, so once again I didn’t have time to obsess.

This morning I woke up at 7:45 to a very excited little girl, asking me if it was too early to get dressed.  I stated that it was and then started to panic.  I think I’m pretty adept at hiding my panic from my children as I’ve had to do it so often so as not to turn them into the the panicked, crazy ball of train wreck that I am. I got her ready, packed her lunch, collected her cell phone, purse, jacket and the lunch and ten minutes ago, kissed her, hugged her told her I loved her and sent her out on what I’m sure will be a marvelous adventure of a day.

I, on the other hand, will sit here and worry even though I know she’s fine and having a wonderful time.  I can’t imagine what I’ll do when my children grow up and don’t live with me anymore.  But hey, I’ll burn that bridge when I get to it.

“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.”
-Elizabeth Stone

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