9/365 - ARRIVEDERCI

She's been excited for over a year at the prospect of studying abroad, but when the reality of packing and ticking down one's list kicks in, so do the jitters. The last few days have been challenging and stressful as she tries to pack efficiently for several months, says goodbye to friends, and prepares to be gone (far) from home for the longest time ever in her life.

I encourage her to focus on all the good things - the new people she'll meet, the things she'll learn, the places she'll go, the experiences she'll have, and the fact that this is an opportunity not everyone gets. She knows all that but still, it's hard. Thankfully, as she is dropped off at the airport, the smile is genuine. She is happy and excited and courageous.

Meanwhile, this Mama is trying to reconcile her job of raising productive, compassionate, and independent young adults, and actually letting them go. NOW who needs to muster up the courage?

Arrivederci, baby...until we see each other again. xoxo