My girl

After a full day of running last minute errands for my beauty before she boards the plane for Greece on Thursday, I sat on her bed watching her pack. Yes, I just watched.  She is far more efficient than I am in most things.  I watched, I marveled, I cried.  Not sobs; just tears flowing as I reminisced of her sitting in piles of books, completely enthralled at 9 months old. I remembered adventures we've had together, on planes and trains in foreign countries, in horrendous bathroom scenarios around the world from the time she was two years old on.  (Third world toilets/holes in the ground are still her arch enemy.)  I laughed, remembering how I felt absolutely confident that she was ready to accompany me to Africa for 2 months when she was only SEVEN!  She's always felt old to me.

But something is happening.  Now she is actually getting older.  This has never bothered me before.  I've always been the type of mom that is thrilled for all the new, independent developments my kids make.  Have adventures, travel the world, explore, become.  The crazy reality of having 2 more years to hang out with this amazing person has hit my tear ducts.  The love, joy, pride, and confidence I have as I think about my almost 16 year old daughter is so gigantic that it is simply overflowing in the form of salty water and it won't stop.

Adventure and travel is in her blood. She has worked so very hard to fund raise for Greece.  This is a well earned opportunity.  I will miss her and be thrilled with her all at the same time.

I am so proud of you!  Enjoy every moment, my adventurous, beautiful young woman.  The world is your playground.  I LOVE YOU!