Cutting the Apron Strings

I really enjoy being a mom. It has been my privilege to be one for almost 27 years. God has blessed Jeff and I with three wonderful daughters, and now 3 amazing grandchildren! "Letting go" of my children has never been easy for me. I've already had to let two of them go and now it looks like I'm going to have to let go of #3. But I think she may be the hardest to let go of. Why? Well, because she is the baby, and I know when she is gone, there are no more! Bethany is quite a few years younger than her sisters, Emily and Ashley, so for the past several years she's been the only one at home. Subsequently, she and I have grown quite close. She's not only my baby girl, but also my fashion consultant, listening ear, and friend. And we've never spent allot of time apart. So this past weekend was a difficult one for me. She went on a youth trip -- without me! I was there to see her off, all dressed up in her gorgeous purple gown, with her bff Corey on her arm! They looked amazing. I busyed myself taking pictures as they loaded into the limo and headed away for an entire weekend! I don't think anyone saw the tears, as I watched them drive away! She had a blast with all her friends -- dancing the night away, sunning on beautiful Daytona Beach, and just hanging out with a great group of kids! She is pretty amazing. Even though I was not there, she kept me up to date on what was going on via text messaging and the occassional phone call! And I made it. Before I knew it, the weekend was over and she had returned home. She survived without me! Well, I survived without her. But this is just the first step. In a few weeks she will be a senior in high school! And, if God continues to lead, she will be leaving me in another year, headed to Southeastern in North Carolina! That's nine hours away! I don't think I'm ready. But I trust God and know He will do with her what is best! I know He is just getting me ready to cut the apron strings!