Like a wheel turning...

OD and her SO came to my house for dinner on Easter. As they were leaving, with the extra ham I had cooked for them to have sandwiches in the coming week, and a ton of leftovers, I blew her a kiss and said, "Love you honey, drive safe and call me when you get home!" YD, who was standing behind me said, "Mom! That's the first time you've ever said that to one of your daughters!" Call me when you get home. Until two months ago, my home was her home.

The first of my babies has fledged the nest and is living in her own place. All those months she was mad at me were just her way of making the break without the pain of having to say goodbye. Time and a little distance have helped to give us both a new perspective - and respect for each other. The real test will come later. She and SO are planning a move to the middle of the country where jobs are more plentiful and the cost of living is lower. Life goes on...and on...and on.