by Jeanne Bravo 

Last night I grieved for my little girl. 

She is 18 now and going off to college. 
She is beautiful smart and outgoing. 
She is ready to go and I’m just in the way. 

I grieved for the 3 year old
who looked up at me like 
I was the most beautiful Mommy in the world. 

I grieved for the 7 year old
who trusted me to do her hair. 

I grieved for all the hugs and kisses and adoration
that you can only get from a child. 

But I am happy for her and for me.