Flying Away

Have you ever traveled outside of the country? 

If you answered yes, maybe this scenario would not be as nerve-wracking for you. For me, it was a complete unknown what he would be experiencing for the next month.

My son left for Study abroad last night. He landed in Switzerland at 4am and then boarded his connecting flight to Italy soon after. He landed safely, big sigh of relief, and has been updating his siblings and me in our group chat. Although we are all so very excited for him, that excitement doesn't come without its own reservations and concerns. 

You see, we are not a traveling family. We have never been out of the US. We have not even been to Alaska or Hawaii, which, although part of the US, those destinations still seem quite exotic and "out of the country" to me. Oh, wait. This same son of mine did get to go on a cruise once in the 6th grade with his best friend. So, out of all 5 of us, he is the most traveled among us. Last time he left to go so far away, it was under the supervision of his friend's family. This time, it is under the supervision of his University. Both times, it was scary for Mom to let go and trust he would be ok. 

It's not always easy to let go, is it? I've been through this before. This isn't any different is it?

• He is going to be a Junior in college in the fall.
• He is the third of my children to move away to college. 
• His older sister bought a house almost two hours away.
• My first child to leave home went all the way to Virginia to attend college! 
  

Excuse me, have you not heard of all the wonderful schools that are within a two-hour drive? Do you not LIKE Pennsylvania, or NJ, or NY, or anywhere closer than 7 hours away? No? Oh, ok. 

She was fine. I was fine. We were all fine. 

Leaving for college close enough to drive to is one thing. Leaving the country? What? Who does that? Surely not our family. We are homebodies. 

We don't vacation. We staycation. 

• We have our pool
• Hot tub
• Large yard to run and play volleyball, wiffleball, and kickball
• And don't forget wallball and basketball 
• End the evening with a bonfire in the back with s'mores and what else could you want out of life? 

This. Taking opportunities when they are presented and stepping outside of your comfort zone. 

That's a good thing. It's scary and exciting, and adventurous and I love that he is experiencing this, not only with some fellow classmates he will get to know on this trip, but his girlfriend of three years. He will turn 21 on this trip. He will be touring the Colosseum and celebrating in Rome with the love of his life that day. 

That's what more you could want. And he will get it. 

My other children will all have their own great adventures in this life, and I will be here to celebrate them all. Yes, he is flying away for a month, but one of the great joys in this marvelous role of motherhood is watching your babies fly from the nest, knowing they are strong, brave, confident, and capable. They are under God's watch even when they can not be under yours. And that, my friends, is enough. 

That is living happily ever after, after. After they fly away. 💙

Have I not commanded you? 

Be strong and courageous. 

Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, 

for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. 

Joshua 1:9