Kali received the final email last night confirming her study abroad has been approved. We had the sweetest Sunday all together, and if I'm keeping things honest here, I totally felt as if she's not so attached to my hip as she once was. And when I say this, I mean my lasso not harnessing her (lol). I slept with her on Sunday night because Bill is still on the mend, so I've taken over Kali's bed. In doing so, a few times in the night I caught glimpses of her silhouette as she slept. More so than the silhouette, I could see her little cheeks. Her dark brown hair streaming across her big brown closed eyes. I caught myself staring at her. Early morning alarm rang, and she was out of the house back towards her home and her life. She had a meeting, work, and the final touches on her acceptance to study abroad in Florence Italy. Something we talked very lightly about on Mother's Day. Catching myself boasting to others, more so than actually talking with Kali about it.
We texted funny things back and forth yesterday, and soon we'd end the night with a huge congrats with her acceptance. So many details go into this decision. None of which consisted of my insecurities.
And for those that know me, I have many. None in the face of relationships, work, business or money. Mine have always been the topic of my children.
Not once have I felt sad, scared, or worried over this. Something in my gut said, "if she's ready to do this, she must be". And so I left it at that.
Because truthfully, this is amazing.
Truly, one hundred and ten percent, amazing.
Her boyfriend studied abroad his second year. His shared stories helping her to make this decision just a tad bit easier. It's never easy stepping away from your love for a few months.
As she was younger I always wondered a few things. One, would she ever leave the net of safety from me. Meaning, would she withstand the strength it takes to actually pull away from her mama's worry. Her brother has had no choice. Kali on the other-hand has been strong willed from day one.
Second, I wondered if she would ever take a leap and make a big decision such as this.
She'll spend the duration of summer and fall over there. She'll celebrate Christmas over there. She'll taste, smell and endure another part of this world. Learning. Living. Experiencing. Life.
Kali, I am so proud of you. When you were graduating from kindergarten I played this song for you. And as you sucked your thumb in the back seat, I wondered when the words would really ring true.
So I ask that you listen to it again. And just remember how proud you've made dad and I.
Don't look back. Just work hard and never stop loving what your heart tells you to love. If it's not too nerdy, listen to the song I dedicated to you in kindergarten.
I still feel the same today.
"I hope you don't fear those mountains in the distance"
Congrats my sweet baby birdie...."Complimenti"!
This Mama Lisa
For those of you wondering how my Mother's Day was.
Incredible.
I will never forget him asking to snap this shot. And his gentle kiss atop my hat.
Pure love.
I love you Kris and Kali.
The years become sweeter and sweeter as the pages and chapters close. My babies are my everything. And then some.
Kali drove home surprising me with a cookbook I wanted (Food Swings By Jesse Seinfeld) along with flowers from my favorite florist Devynn's Garden and Green Iced Tea from SB. Kris and Jenny would arrive after a long flight home from Panama. Holding flowers from the same florist along with a bracelet made in Panama. The cute part was there are 2 K's embroidered in it, not intentional. As I say to the kids, it's all the little sweet signs. LOVE.
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