Almost

Last day of work for The Lovely Daughter yesterday. Two of her friends just picked her up for their amusement park excursion. Looking at the sky, I leaned into the car window and said, "If it starts to pour, be sure and pull over!"

"My mom JUST called to say that!" said the driver. Much laughter ensued. I wondered how many times in the past fifteen years we moms have made statements identical to one another's.

"Have you girls given any thought to when you might come home?" No, of course not. But they will be two hours away. "Well, when does the park close?"

"8:00," said the other passenger. "So we'll be home before or after 8:00."

More laughter.

I don't suppose you would believe me if I told you just how smart these young women are.

*******

The Lovely Daughter leaves for college in Oregon on Saturday. One of the other girls would be headed that way as well except for the fact that this year it's France for her. The driver goes back to New Haven soon. The fourth of their little group is already in Singapore, where she arrived on her twentieth birthday a couple of weeks ago.

Last night our Session (church governing council) meeting ended with everyone around the room saying something to or for me as I head off to seminary. It was unexpected and lovely (as well as quite embarrassing), and I know I will treasure some of those words in the months ahead.

Lunch today with our senior pastor -- a final boost out the door. Sort of. I'm co-leading a class at church in a couple of weeks.

Meeting tomorrow for the first official time with my new spiritual director (yeah, I stuck with the Jesuits) and then a week-end retreat with all the people involved in my spiritual direction training program. I will slip out Saturday morning for a dash to the airport to kiss The Lovely Daughter good-bye.

Next week: the spiritual direction program beings and the seminary orientation takes place.

All these months (and years) of hoping and dreaming and planning are coming to the first stage of fruition. Pretty cool.