Taillights

Diana left us today,

headed to Provo, Utah

for her own awfully big adventure.

That's her little red convertible pulling away, right there.

 Before she got in that little red car,

we had a nice spaghetti dinner.

We all went around the table

giving her our "best advice":

The Caboose:  "Stay safe. Don't let anyone talk you into doing bad things."

 Boofus: Stay away from boys. 

(I paid him with jellybellies later.)  

(oh he was on his way to play air-soft guns with his buddies-lol)

 Daisie: (who couldn't smile for "Take One"--had to suck up the tears for "Take Two")

and this is a direct quote: "Don't be a Ho."  --thanks, Daisie. 

Your eloquence is inspiring.

Momza: (Puffy eyes-check; dark circles of worry-check)

"Do things that help you become the person you want to be."

Dad: "Have fun. Be grateful for the opportunities that will come your way."

 Then, it was her turn to give each of us

some "Going Away" Advice:

To Daisie: "Be wise. Be wise at home. Be wise choosing your friends. Talk to Mom and listen to her.  If you listen to Mom, you will be happier."

 To the Boofus: "Be nice to your sisters. Be happy."

 To the Caboose (who was having the most difficulty letting go):

"Control your temper." (she can be a little hothead.)

 To Mom and Dad:

"Don't doubt yourselves as parents. You're good parents and you're raising good kids." and then she shared some more personal thoughts and feelings that I will keep to myself--all very much appreciated.

And then, we all gathered in the livingroom where Dad gave her a blessing, which frankly had all in tears.

Even the dog was whining--lol.

And we headed outside to her little red car.

Where there were more hugs and tears...

I walked her to the driver's side and whispered as we held each other tightly:

"Now, you go have your own awfully big adventure! Enjoy every minute! You know that we love you so!

You've always been my favorite, but don't tell the other kids." haha

Nana answered: "I know."

Then I kissed her cheeks and that was that.

Just when you are tired of those late nights waiting up for their key to turn in the door,

and those marathon discussions about Right and Wrong,

and your knees have a rug rash

while your heart's in a knot,

or those days

when you'd consider putting an ad on Ebay

for that moody creature--

just when you wonder

"Am I ever going to be done?"--

 All of that starts to change

and your yahoo

turn into a lovely responsible adult

who "gets it"--

that's when you enjoy their company

and friendship--

And, well, dang it,

that's also when it's time for them 

to put the key in the ignition,

put the car in DRIVE

and pull away.

I just hate that part.