She's Going to Be Amazing!

I'm not one of those moms who can pat her hurting child on the back and say: 

"Buck up!  You'll be fine!"

Not me.  Instead, you'll find me crying great big crocodile tears right along side them,  hoping and wishing that somehow I could carry the hurt.  So when Gabby's eyes welled up with tears when we were ready to leave her behind at her new college home yesterday my heart cracked wide open.  Standing on the porch, waving goodbye, she looked so small....and scared.  My Gabby who broke out in hives the night before she started kindergarten, who hates change, who would live at home forever gave me second thoughts about the cruel, albeit true, sentiment "this is for the best".

Logically I know, she'll do fine.  She picks up where she's at and she makes the best of everything that comes her way.  She tries hard to do what is right.  Her bubbly personality is infectious and sure to garner her many new friends.  In fact when I was on my knees last night pleading with Father in Heaven for her comfort, her safety, her peace, I was shown a picture in my mind of Gabby in her new school, standing outside the interior design room laughing with friends.  The light in her eyes that was missing last night was back and she was happy.  What a tender mercy!  She will be fine.... I will be fine.

Some pictures from yesterday

A gift from the underclassmen on her Basketball team last year.

Unpacking with Courtney

Larry can't find anymore floor space to put her shoe rack at the moment

Gabby's cute little corner

I don't think Ally realized I would be posting this to my blog when she pulled out the cheesy face

All set up

Right after I told her it was time for us to go.....tell me that face doesn't break your heart

Hugging Dad goodbye

Tear stains on her cheeks (Courtney secretly plotting where the bed is going to go in her "new" room)

Even within the hour and a half that it's taken me to work on this post I feel better.  Larry came home for lunch and we talked about how fast time goes by.   We talked about the need to look ahead and not behind.  But mostly we are just grateful for our little family and the gift they are to us.  Gabby called and sounded so excited.  She said that she is going to "man up and do this college thing".  She's always been pretty tenacious.  She's going to be better than fine....she's going to be amazing!