It is 4:30 in the morning. I wake up as my husband leaves to take our daughter to school for a field trip to San Antonio. My mind begins to make a list of “what ifs” and the worries wash over. Almost instantaneously, I feel my chest constrict, jaw harden, eyes tense, breath shorten, and my entire body tighten from head to toe. Yuck. My little girl is growing up and in that moment I realize I am holding on… grasping for control.
Then, in the next moment, I count my blessings. My body and mind soften as I slowly, gently, begin to let go…
I recite the precious moments my daughter and I have shared together this week and will continue to share:
1. A fabulous dress shopping experience. She has two dances coming up and we found two delightful dresses together. The time we shared together, as she twirled around, was priceless.
2. She and I enjoyed a lovely dinner with our favorite youth minister. We sat on the patio of a charming little Italian restaurant. The evening was filled with laughter, good food, and a gentle breeze.
3. The stories she will tell me when she comes home from her adventure in San Antonio. I am sure there will be much to share about the adventures of the bus ride and all of the cool places they will visit today.
As I count my blessings, I thank God for the gift of every moment we get to share with our precious daughter. She is a gift and I am grateful. I turn over on my pillow and fall fast asleep.
Gratitude 
Another beautiful post!