The Denial is Over

I am feeling verklempt and need a moment. (Waving tears away, practicing breathing exercises.)

Talk amongst yourselves.

Comments

[Beth in WI]

I'm just going to go sit with Darby for a while.

[Carrie]

Awww, just cry. You know you're gonna, a lot, and it doesn't do any good to hold it in. Cry till you barf, rinse your mouth, cry some more, and when you're too tired, have a beer or six and flip through some baby pictures.

[melanie]

Go cry with your sheep. And tell them all about it. Really. Then get up and realize you've got a beautiful young woman who is a tribute to you and D the H. There are DOZENS AND DOZENS AND DOZENS of young ladies that could not undertake her plans, have her dedication to mission, or be so independent.

[Kathy]

Melanie said it beautifully. You done good, Kid! (And that is said from a Veteran herself!)

[Karalyn]

Lauren: As Melanie said, your daughter's willingness to strike out on her own and do something special is a beautiful tribute to the wonderful job you and DH have done. It's hard to let our kids go . . . but this is what we raise them for. And I can tell you first hand that seeing what she will accomplish as an adult and watching here become a professional will give you chills. The first time I saw my son raise his sticks and count down the beats for a session in the recording studio (he's a professional drummer) I burst into tears. It was so much different to watch him working in his chosen profession and to see how good he was at it --- he was no longer the little kid practicing in the garage. Even watching him on-stage had not prepared me for that one moment. And watching how he cared for his dying father --- and how lovingly and carefully he planned and executed the funeral --- that was another "a-ha" moment for me. We seldom get to see how our children will perform in those life-changing moments as adults. You have raised a strong, beautiful young woman --- much like you, I would imagine. Be proud of her and taken pride in what she's doing. And cry all you want --- it exhausts you and then you will sleep. Giant hugs. I'll be down snuggling with the sheep. When I'm down, my animals are my refuge. Even the birds seem to understand and talk to me differently when I'm struggling with something. Darby awaits.