Baby Steps

Kate is away this weekend,

on a retreat with her Confirmation class. 

I realized that this is the first time

she has gone somewhere alone,

that wasn't either with family

or with a close friend, having a sleepover.

I have wondered many times over the weekend

how she is doing, if she is having fun.

We miss her.

But, this is good practice and preparation

for us all.

She will be going to sleepaway camp for the first time this summer for two weeks.

(Each week runs Sunday-Friday.)

When she starts high school in the Fall,

they also take a two or three day retreat.

And, I hope that when she is in high school,

she will want to go on Mission Trips 

and work camps like a I did as a teen.

Each of these are little baby steps

on the road to separating ourselves

as she takes on new responsibility 

and direction for her own life.

I hope that I have taught her well thus far

and that she feels confident and strong 

making her way out in the world.

She has amazing leadership skills,

and is tenacious and creative and compassionate.

Have fun, Kate.

Go fly.

But always know that you have a nest to come home to.