#197/366--Camp

I should have entitled this entry, "Letting Go."

This is Michael's first

away-from-home,

week-long

camp.

I know, I know.

He's 12 and it's his 

FIRST camp?!?

Here is the back of his head

...as they are walking off...

to begin their week.

I couldn't be THAT mom...

...the one taking all the pics...

...but...

I was the mom

that gave her son

a big kiss and

"I love you."

(While Lauren asks,

in her sarcastic teenage tone,

"Are you CRYING?!")

I rolled my watery eyes at her

...and took her to dinner...

There's no explaining

a mother's love

to someone

who is not

a mother.

One day she will understand.

She doesn't realize...

...that I get teary-eyed...

...every time...

I have to let them go.

It's bittersweet

watching

my little birds

learn

how to fly.