Coming to grips with reality

Bean, our oldest daughter headed home for Dallas early this morning.

I know I have said this before but…

I felt a little sad.

It is back to being just me, my wife, Bunch, and my youngest daughter, Cakes.

As I analyzed my feelings, I realized that I don’t want to change anything.

She has her own life. She has her own friends. My wife and I worked hard to train her for this very season of life. I am REALLY happy for her.

I think that if she still lived with us, our relationship would be different. I think that we might grow tired of each other.

While I really enjoy my children’s company and conversation, I realize that they are where they should be.

Big A is supposed to be in Philadelphia. Kimba is thriving in Nashville. Soon, Cakes will join them and it will just be my wife and I, where it all began.

So, here I find a paradox. As a father, I am a happy, fulfilled. My children are successfully starting to make their own mark on the world.

And yet, in their launching and leaving, I feel a little sad.

I am glad that I feel that way.

I would rather know the pain of separation than to feel nothing at all.

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