Letting Go

I stood in the parking lot this morning wondering where the time went.  In five minutes time, I was trying to fit in every piece of advice I could.

Keep your phone in your pocket.

No texting or talking on your phone in your car.

Go the speed limit.

If you think you can't make it...you can't....don't try.

Remember that not only could you injure yourself, you could injure others.

Keep the radio down.

Be smart.

COME HOME SAFE.

And, he is off.  In a car he bought, registered & tagged.  

A full tank of gas was a gift from his mama.

We put the license plate on.

I blinked back tears.

He hugged me.

I silently whispered a prayer. 

Raw.

To the point.

"Please God, keep him safe."

Why don't they tell you when they place them in your arms that 17 years later when they drive off it feels as if they have been ripped from them?  That your heart will ache for that little boy who loved "Melmo" (Elmo), basketball, and bulldozers.  And, if you had known it would go that fast...you would have watched Hard Hat Harry one more time or read Good Night, Moon again.

And, yet you have fought for months to stick to your guns.

No you have to save the money.

I know other kids get cars.

Not you.

 You'll earn yours.

Someday you'll thank me.

And, you will.

We've marked off another milestone...me & you.

And, I'll be beside you to mark many more.

So, I'll put on my brave face.

Do my best not to be a Nervous Nellie.

And, celebrate your new found freedom!

At least until the gas tank runs dry!