say what you need to say....

She drove away today

no, she didn't run away

she didn't even leave for college

but she drove away.....on her own , for the first time

we've just begun another chapter in our life

& in our relationship

one of rapidly growing independence

she didn't leave for college today

but i'll blink my eyes & we'll be there

i have two years left with her in our home

will i have 'done it right' that day when she does leave?

research shows the majority of the influence we have on our children is done by the time they hit 12 years old

i'll be quite honest, with three of my girls past that point, i frequently, no daily, wonder if i've done it right & usually feel like i have failed.

this summer she & i have a had a rough time

mainly due to miscommunication & misunderstanding

& this has broke my heart

i would dare to say that most severed relationships stem from one of these.

she & i are much alike

first borns

both usually feeling we are right

& lacking patience

& maybe a little stubborn, just a little

i feel like i've dropped the ball

i've let this summer fly away where i really should have just stopped

stopped & hugged her

stopped & apologized

stopped & told her how proud i am to be 'Savannah's Mom'

refusing to let another day go by with unresolved issues

& i plan on it

i told her last night that i want she & i to head out , just us two for a little time together before school starts back.

with a large busy family it has seemed a little overwhelming to make sure both dan & i get one on one time with each of the girls

but i need to do this

i need to say those important things

i need to make sure that when that day arrives

when she really does drive away

i feel like i did it....that i did it right

as much as i could

& that she leaves with her love tank full,

confident that i love her & that i'm always on her team

i love you sweet girl