I still mother them….

This morning I dropped Gianna off at the airport for her trip to California.

Just like that.

A hug at the curb, a reminder to text me when she landed, and off she went. Confident. Excited. Ready for an adventure.

And I was proud.

Really proud.

Proud of the young woman she is becoming. Proud that she was willing to get on a plane by herself and head across the country. Proud that she has opportunities to see things, experience things, and make memories that will stay with her long after this trip is over.

But if I’m being honest, there was a tiny part of me that wished she was five years old again.

Not because I want to hold her back. Not because I don’t want her to grow up.

Just because sometimes I miss the little girl who needed me for everything.

The older I get, the more I realize life is made up of these strange moments. The moments where your heart is full and aching at the exact same time.

I stood there watching her walk away and thought about how quickly it all happens. One minute you’re tying their shoes, and the next minute they’re boarding a plane headed to California without you.

After losing both Vincent and Gabriella, I don’t take opportunities like this for granted.

Not one of them.

Life is meant to be lived. Adventures are meant to be taken. Memories are meant to be made.

So while part of me wanted to scoop her up and rewind time for just a little while, a much bigger part of me was grateful.

Grateful that she gets this opportunity.

Grateful that she is brave enough to take it.

Grateful that I get to watch her grow into the person she’s becoming.

Safe travels, Gianna.

I’ll still be here counting the days until you’re home. ❤️

I still mother them. And now I get to love their children with everything I have. 💜