Little by Little

I remember when I first felt as though I was losing my grip as a parent of Ellie. She got her driver's license. Now she could take off without either of us...to school, to meet friends, anywhere. It felt like a big step. I wrung my hands waiting for her to pull in the driveway, knowing for certain she was safe and sound. She always did and she was fine.

The next giant leap out into the world was college. To leave her in the downtown of Richmond felt horrifying. That's all you hear of Richmond, the crime and hard lifestyle of the inner city. She is a rising junior and has managed the city life for two years now. She always did and she was fine.

She flew alone across the country last spring to visit Corinna in LA. To put her on a plane, alone, felt as though she was so vulnerable to the world. She made it and had a great spring break. She did and she was fine.

Now, I have entrusted her to the world of Scotland and study abroad for six weeks. To think of her traveling and managing her way across the UK feels scary from where I sit. She's soaking up the amazing experiences of the culture and writing from her heart. She is doing it and she is fine.

In small increments, I am letting her go. This is her summer of independence and she is doing it will great style and pluck! Little by little is the way to let go.