Parting

We said our goodbyes and I am now sitting alone at George Bush Intercontinental Airport waiting to board my plane. I wish the distance between us was only streets, not cities and certainly not states. The miles are so many and so are the tears that are shed privately behind closed doors.

I love you and I miss you already. You know, I worry about you for a variety of reasons, and it’s not about the decision you have made or my need to micromanage or control your life. It’s about your health, safety and the joy you deserve in your life.

Being alone can be very good and healing for some of us, I know. But only for a season or two, not much more. Relationships with family and old friends are important…emotionally, physically, spiritually and for our own health and safety . Many unexpected things can and do happen in life, and can happen suddenly. Without that closed support system, it can be devastating for all everyone. Those who “love you” and those whom “you love”. Being prepared is not an option, it is a necessity.

I can hear you now, “I’ve got it covered Mom. Don’t worry about me; I’m a grown woman”. But Honey, even war heroes can only survive in a battlefield alone for so long without the backup of fellow troops. And they have been physically and emotionally equipped with survival essentials, fully trained on the possible dangers before them, yet … still rely on each other as a team.

I just wish you could understand…it is not a sign of weakness, it is a practiced wisdom.

Love, Mom

Elizabeth Board