Hello's and Goodbyes!

In a few hours I will take my daughter to the airport. She will be flying 1,000 miles from NC to her school in Springfield, MO. I will try very hard not to cry at the gate, but I doubt I will be successful. Our summer with her went soooo fast. The "Hello" was followed by summer plans of beach trips, shopping, movies and late nights eating cheese & crackers while watching a little too much of the TLC channel. We lamented over Jon & Kate, laughed at Bridezilla and became experts on "What not to Wear!" Our "Goodbye" will be accompanied with hugs and the knowledge that we will see each other again in a few short months. My mind will be reeling with unspoken thoughts of a list of reminders...that I dare not speak of one more time...because if I do I risk the "evil eye" followed with a sigh and a "I Know Mom" So I will make an effort to not nag at all in the morning. (After all we do talk on the cell phone daily, there will be plenty of time for those reminders later!)
I think the anticipation of the shared moments, a shared future, is what makes a hello sweet and the gratefulness for those moments along with the unknown of what happens when we are separated that can make goodbyes bitter sweet.
WE CAN NEVER REALLY HAVE A HELLO WITHOUT A GOODBYE.
We need to embrace both! And that is what I choose to do!! "There is a time for every event under heaven..." Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8