Lately, everywhere I go (and every email I receive) the same 2 questions have been asked of me over and over.
How are the wedding plans coming along?
How are you doing with so much going on in your life right now?
For those of you who might not be aware of what is going on in my life right now, here is the scoop. In 5 days, our family will be taking our youngest daughter to Moody Bible Institute located in downtown Chicago. I have experienced this journey of taking my daughters to college 2 times before and I know that it hurts my heart. The difference this time is that after the wedding, there will no longer be a daughter living at home with us. It is such a bittersweet mothering experience – because I am so proud, glad and excited for Audrianna as I know that this is where the Lord is leading her. I know that she is ready for college and that she is going to love it. Yet, my heart breaks because I love being a Mom and having my daughters with me. But, I did not raise her to stay with me forever, so it is time to let her go.
The wedding plans are coming along amazing well. Laryssa is very organized and has things well under control. There has been no mother-daughter fights (a few hurt feelings a time or two, but nothing major) and it has been a fun journey together. The guest list is growing and we only have a few people that we have not heard from, dresses are being fitted, and the rest of the details are in place. I still have a few jobs to do, but I know that I will get them done. I have a very mature daughter who is ready to be married. But once again, that long time friend of mine, the bittersweet mothering emotion is occasionally rearing its head . I love Josiah, the young man Laryssa is marrying. I have prayed for him all of Laryssa’s life. I know that she is ready to be married, that she is going to make a wonderful wife and that their home will be a home of faith. Yet, on September 5, when she is no longer just our daughter – I know that I am going to be happy and sad. Then on September 7, when they leave for their new home in California (and I am not sure when we will be together again) I know my heart will hurt again.
And in the midst of all of these 2 live events – my husband will be turning 50 on the day we move Audrianna into her dorm and we will celebrate our 28th wedding anniversary on Josiah & Laryssa’s wedding day.
So the words written above does answer the first question of how the wedding plans are coming along. Trust me when I say that it is going to be a special day/weekend for Josiah & Laryssa, our family and friends.
As far as how I am doing, I am ….
taking it one day at a time,
having an occasional cry session,
talking each day with 2 daughters heading in 2 different directions,
supporting and encouraging my wonderful husband who is working hard to make all this happen,
trying to spend time with the one who truly understands me – my Heavenly Father
and enjoying each day trying to recognize how special this time together really is.
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. … Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders (and your college age daughter and almost married daughter – my translation) ; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:2,5-6
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