Puddles!

Puddles is the only way to describe my surroundings right now. I live constantly on the edge of tears are fully in them, and I am NOT exaggerating! Saw full blown tears from my little bird for the first time last night while hugging her grandmother and telling her "see you later"- (remember, NO goodbyes). That was really rough.  

Having a family dinner before she left at one of her favorite Austin restaurants, while a wonderful get together, has pushed me over the edge.  My mom gave her this beautiful little wooden Palm Cross that was hand carved without any finish.  The oils from your hands as you rub it in prayer, worry, when overwhelmed...will become the finish. Clearly she knows my baby girl so well as her hardwiring allows her to become easily overwhelmed, and this will be the perfect reminder. She included a precious note citing Psalm 121 (perfect scripture to be reminded of at this time).

Psalm 121
I will lift my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.  He will not let your foot slip- He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed He who watches over Israel will neither slumber or sleep.

The Lord watches over you- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.  The Lord will keep you from all harm- He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

We took pictures of each family's hands on her little wooden cross as a reminder that those hands that have loved her and watched her grow up into the amazing young woman she is will be praying for her on this next adventure in her life!

As her mother, I am so thankful that she has so much love in her life- but most of all, she is deeply loved by THE ONE who made her and as hard as this transition is, HE is watching over her.  Yes, my puddle is BIG and wet!

Palmcrossbyron.com