Well the day arrived.  The day that we knew would one day come, but tried not to think about too much.  The day that we would open the cage door and let our little “birdie” take flight.  (Sounds better than pushing her out of the nest  hoping her wings work before…splat!).  Yesterday was that day!  It was a much harder day than anticipated.  The tears kept coming and it felt like someone kicked me in the gut.  I have only been a mother for two years so I cannot imagine how those of you who have been since their child’s birth handle it.  You must drop the pounds like crazy for all the tears you shed.  I had to text my own mother and apologize for what I put her through.

Our Eaglet left for adventure.  She is headed west – where the crystal blue lakes meet majestic mountains.  An employment opportunity and an environment that calls her name collided and so…the time to go…came.

I slept (not much) in the livingroom – in the recliner to be exact – hoping she might return.  Every time I walk by her bedroom, I look in just in case she somehow sneaked in through the window when I was unawares.  Am I pathetic or what?!  The house is too quiet and things are missing that once annoyed me – like the gigantic espresso machine that took up half my island counter.  I also need to relearn how to dust and wash the dishes.  I know life will get back to the old normal, but it feels like something’s missing right now – our Timbit is missing from our doughnut.

Eaglet needs to spread her wings.  We, the parents, need to let go and let God – trust Him to care for her.  After all, she is His property – His child on loan to us.  They, Bird and Creator, are on this journey together.  We, the caretakers, look forward to her return as a beautiful eagle – soaring on the strength, grace, and love of her Heavenly Father.  Our job now is to pray, Pray, and PRAY.  (And follow her every movement with the tracking device we implanted while she slept).  I came across an artical entitled, “10 Things to Tell Your Kids Before They Leave Home.”  Personally, I think there are WAY MORE than ten things, but perhaps these are considered the most important.  Eaglet, I hope we covered them all…

1.  You’re unconditionally loved by your Heavenly Father.

2. We, as parents, will fail you, but God never will.

3. You always have a place to call home.

4. We will walk with you through the challenges of life.

5. Our prayers for you will continue.

6. Your skills and abilities are gifts from God, uniquely given for you to serve the world around you.

7. The challenges and trials of life are opportunities to see God in new ways.

8. The world is full of interesting and gifted people, get to know them and learn from them.

9. Continue to measure what you’re learning against the unchanging Word of God.

10. Be aware of and thankful for the many people who invest in your life – in the big and small ways.