“A ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not why ships are built.”
(John Shedd)

A year ago, we were planning our daughter’s graduation party. Now, she’s back with us after a great first year, working full-time to save money before she heads off to Europe for the fall semester. Next summer, the plan is to stay in her college town, 4 hours away, for an internship in her field of choice.

All of parenting, it seems, comes down to this: watching them leave. And then leave some more. And then leave some more.

It starts with leaving the womb. Next it’s leaving the diapers behind. Then they’re off to preschool. Eventually it’s their first sleep over, their first school trip, and their first overnight summer camp. At some point, if you’re brave enough, it’s leaving the driveway for their maiden voyage alone in a car.

It’s all leaving. And while each “delivery” process can be arduous, exhausting, scary, and painful, it somehow feels right—like we’re cooperating with life itself.

Bon voyage.

Peace begins with pause,