Mom-entary joy ...

Part 1:

Our 20-something daughter and a friend recently drove to Miami Beach for spring break. 

As a mother, you get years of practice in letting go. That doesn't mean it's easy.

As she was getting ready to leave, I channeled my maternal anxieties into looking for more things I could send with her. I scoured the cupboards, offering her a box of cereal, energy bars, sun block, aloe vera for sunburn.

I looked around one last time and said, "Need anything else?"

She smiled and said, "A hug from you."

Motherhood has its moments.

Part 2:

The sound of a car coming up the drive is fairly routine.

When you're waiting for your daughter to return from a road trip to Florida, that sound brings pure joy.
She's safe, sound, and back at school.

Maternal agita notwithstanding, I'm glad she had the adventure.