Day 2

I have discoverd that the hard day is the day after the child leaves. This is the first day I did not see or hear from my daughter. No text to let me know where she was. No grumpy wake-up. No hug. She spent so much time out of the house it wouldn't seem to make that much difference. But it does. It could also be the 10 second phone call to let us know she had arrived safely. Kermit said she sounded a bit weepy. I hate that.

How Are You Feeling, Mom?

How are you feeling?

This is the question I have been getting almost constantly since Hannah decided to join the US Marine Corps. "How are you feeling?" comes with a lot of meanings and undertones. Some are really concerned for my well-being. Some are curious, maybe not sure how they would react in similar circumstance. Some are trying to reassure themselves. "How are you feeling?" is almost always well-meant.

The truth is I am fine. My daughter is amazing. During her senior year of high school she put a lot of thought into what she would do with herself after graduation. Just about every week there was a new plan. About two weeks before graduation she mentioned that she has talked to a recruiter. That conversation evolved into a strong desire and then a resolve to join the Marines. Through all this I knew (and have always known) that whatever she decided to do, Hannah Monzingo would be fantastic.

This particular path was a small surprise, and then again it was not. We have strived to raise independent, responsible, service-minded human beings. It cannot be a true surprise that once the children grow to adulthood they choose to serve, whether it is in the mission field or in the military.

How am I feeling?

I am proud of her decision to serve. I am confident in her ability to do well. I am joyful with her happiness. My Hannah is dynamic and resilient and intelligent and strong and caring. While we were not tear-free at parting, I cannot feel sad. My baby bird has learned to fly. Now she has the opportunity to soar.