The Weekly Photo Challenge email said, “In a new post created for this challenge, share a picture that says CHANGE.”
As my throat constricted in the way that is so familiar lately, I knew exactly the change that my photos would represent. You see, my youngest is about to graduate from high school. I’ve been very brave all year, put on a big smile and was very careful to embrace every moment and capture as much of it as possible with my mind’s eye as well as with the lens of my camera.
Now, it’s crunch time. The date is set, the announcements are ordered, the yearbook pages are done, the banquets are beginning, and my life as I know it is about to undergo one of the biggest changes a parent can encounter.
As the calendar makes haste, without any care for my heart, towards May 31, 2013, I try to keep smiling and laughing and pretending things are perfectly normal. They are not. My husband and I will soon be empty-nesters, left alone to our own devices; no games to attend, no late night clock watching and “hurry home” texts, and no going into that messy room to wake a groggy teenager.
Thankfully, I know that we have raised her well, she has God on her side and she knows the plans He has for her. I have to remember we have accomplished much in that she is ready to go out there and make her own way in this big ole’ world. This is life, as it is meant to be.
We will make it although there will be many tears and much missing. There will also be phone calls and visits and texts and sharing of news, and more change.
This heart will trust in the One she has always trusted in for herself, her marriage and her children. There truly is a time and a season for all things under the sun. There is giving, taking and letting go. And through all of the seasons of our lives, He is there.
Long walks and dark chocolate 
Another excellent blog giving gratitude to God. Congratulations to Mom and Dad on the graduation of your youngest. When my oldest graduated from college last year I had this overwhelming feeling “we did it!” – we raised one all the way through college! Strange as that sounds, I’m guessing you understand. Revel in those tears…and hug her tight…and then enjoy your “second honeymoon” with your husband! 🙂
Thank you, Patty; appreciate the encouragement:)