My Daughter Has Left for Italy!

This Thursday May 13, my husband and I drove my daughter to start her adventure.  She is attending school in Italy for the summer through the college she attends.  I found it quite ironic how my husband was giving me such a hard time with all the questions that I was asking Emily. The questions went something like this.  Do you have your plane tickets?  Do you have your passport? Do you think you need to take a coat? I looked on the internet and I thought it seemed like she might need a coat or she would be cold.  Of course, my daughter did the typical thing – rolled her eyes and said “yes, mom.  I have it under control.” I truly wanted to kick my husband when we are watching Emily go through security and he leans over to ask – “Did you remind Emily not get let her carry on bag out of her sight?”  He then proceeds to call our daughter in the security line to remind her of his last words of advice and then give me a hard time because I did not ask that question.

I know that Emily will learn many things on this trip.  I know that she will have some truly awesome experiences.  But, it is amazing how hard it is not to worry.  I really wanted Emily to call me when she made it to Atlanta, then once again when she was in New York.  While I was at work, I placed the phone on my desk so I would not miss any calls or texts.  Much to my chagrin she did not text or call.  I could not help myself and sent off a text when I thought she would still be in Atlanta.  She finally responded just as I was getting ready to leave work. She was in New York.  So I thought I would give her a quick call.  You know, the last call before she left for Pisa.  (We had instructed her that her cell phone was only for emergencies while in Italy because of the cost.  That she needed to communicate though Skype or e-mails. )  She answered the phone but only said that the flight was good and she had to go.  I was happy she was in New York but disappointed that she did not want to talk some more about her flight and experiences.

After some reflection, I have come to following conclusions:

1. No news is good news.
2. I am a worry wart.
3. Emily is an adult even though I treat her like my child – my precious child.
4. I must trust God to take care of her.